Off-Season Traveling: Advantages & Recommendations

Off-season traveling-Greek Islands

Late September is a reality and another summer is reaching its end. Can I still travel to the Greek Islands?

— Absolutely!

Okay, we all know that these places during summer time are glorious. But, don’t you find it strange that nobody ever talks about the rest of the year? It is a great misconception that Greece is exclusively a summer destination. The country provides a serious and diverse amount of beauty despite the season but the summer is absorbing the fame.

A quite different story

Instead of parties, high temperatures and long days to the beach, visualize yourself exploring graphic villages and fascinating towns, hiking the mountains and meeting delightful local spirits. Just follow the trails and prepare yourself. Wonderful surprises are on your way! Off-season vacations in the Greek islands is a tranquil experience, but there can always be a lot of adventure if you want it so.

Off-season traveling Advantages

So, why to travel off-season? First of all, The tourism industry is closed and this is a gift. You have no other option but being in touch with the true culture of the island, meeting the locals and eating in the same restaurants. Consequently, the food will be sublime. In terms of demand, there is no comparison between the summer season with the rest of the year. The prices are great.

You are receiving high value wandering around breathtaking scenery at affordable costs.

In addition, you have the privilege to avoid overcrowded streets enjoying every view without the need to rush at any point. Don’t worry. There will be enough time to experiment with your camera or imagination.

More good news? The climate is truly gentle compared to other destinations. If you are used to cold and heavy winters with below zero temperatures, Greece will be easy like a Sunday morning.

Recommendations

In the meantime, it is time to make decisions. Which island suits you better?

Maybe Naxos?

Numerous picturesque mountainous villages are waiting to be explored there. The scenery is qualified enough to make you feel like the leading actor in a slow atmospheric movie. Nature is astonishing, the local food is heaven and it’s almost obligatory to taste the wine. Don’t forget to visit “Portara”, a gate of an ancient Greek temple for Apollo, and “Kastro”, a castle from the medieval times. Certainly, wandering around villages in Naxos is something that you will remember for many years.

Or Crete?

The biggest island in Greece! You need a car for proper exploration and definitely a week. In the big cities ( Heraklion, Chania, Rethimno) there are universities, so expect students and an active nightlife. Mountains, villages, tradition, and every part of your imagination can be satisfied on this island. Crete is a dreamy destination and a unique experience for every kind of traveler.

Santorini?

I am sure that even once in your life you have heard someone talking about this glorious island. It is one of the most famous Greek destinations and among the most praised islands of the world. When you are traveling off-season, you have the priceless opportunity to enjoy this piece of art without dealing with tourists that can ruin part of the experience. A blissful walk from Fira to Oia is highly recommended. When you arrive at “red beach”, you might feel like exploring Mars or a parallel universe. It’s up to you! Plus, the prices are amazing for Santorini!

What about Milos?

Unique rocky coastlines and landscapes will surely transform your senses in a strange but wonderful world. Everything is a result of the volcanic activity in ancient times. Drink Greek tsikoudia to warm the day up, and be ready for spectacular views, restaurants and naturally friendly people. Off-season traveling in Milos is a “one of a kind” experience.

And, what about Corfu?

Οdysseus’s final stop before reaching Ithaca, well known for its cosmopolitan character and style. Corfu’s old town is a masterpiece. Follow the pathways and explore different cultures by visiting museums and temples. Finally, relax with the charming environment at the Korission lake. You might find your Ithaca there!

Every island accessible by ferry or airplane will have life and visitors.

Rhodes,
Evia,
Mykonos
Kea
Lesvos
Paros

All great choices, just to name a few. Moreover, you are always getting something special in spite of your choice.

A useful tip

Before booking tickets and hotels for different islands, make sure that there is a boat between them on this specific day. Nobody likes unpleasant surprises.

Break the illusion

Off-season traveling in Greece is seriously underrated and the world should know about it. For artistic souls, writers, couples, or those who love meditating in the silence of nature, Greek islands will feel like a paradise on earth. One of our first aims at hopwave is to create travelers, not common tourists!

Integrity in our vacations is priceless cause everyone is dreaming a different version of a paradise. Be brave! Dare to follow your path. You will never regret it.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain

Alonissos – The Hiking Experience

A traveler’s hiking experience

Alonnisos is the perfect destination for hiking either you are a beginner or an experienced hiker. It is the island of majestic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes. The hiking experience is undoubtedly the most charming way to discover the wholeness of nature in Alonnisos.

You can find more than 15 stone-paved hiking paths in the island. It is the network of old transport routes from the era where mules and donkeys were the only means of transport. They can lead you to beaches, villages or even to the top of a mountain. It seems like the perfect hiking adventure, doesn’t it?

Prepare yourself!

Check the hiking paths of the island. You can search online, buy the guide-book that a Danish woman and her Greek husband wrote, or just follow some of the organized tours. Duration varies from 20 minutes to 7.5 hours.

Choose the route that suits you better considering your physical condition and the time. Don’t forget that the whole idea of a hiking experience is to arrive at your destination no matter how slow or fast you walk. So, take your time and enjoy it.

Buy a bottle of water and some snacks.
Use a solar cream
Put on your hat.
Grab a book
Grab your camera

The hiking experience is a reconnection with nature and yourself.

While you are walking, you will notice the transition from the built environment to pure nature. The colors are changing. You can hear the song of the birds and the concert of the cicadas. You can smell herbs, saffron crocus, wild chamomile, and mint.

Discovering this botanical paradise creates the desire to activate all your senses. The hiking experience elevates them. You are becoming more aware of your surroundings.

It is a pertinent reminder of how beautiful the world is.

In the southern part of the island, you will find pine forests and olive groves. Throughout them, there is a wide variety of bushes and shrubs. On the other hand in the northern part, there are mostly holm oaks, kermes oaks, maple trees and arbutuses. Last but not least, in the middle part of Alonnisos, there is a beautiful cedar forest.

In Alonissos, nature will provide you with everything with you need to be happy. Alonissos can keep your mind and soul present.

According to the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca, to be happy is to enjoy the present moment. Right now it is just you and the world. You are just walking. One foot in front of the other. Breathe in, breathe out.

You can just be.

Finally, you can enjoy the stunning view from the top of Kalovoulos Mountain. You can swim at the quiet beach of Micros Mourtias. You can visit old restored windmill in the beach Yalia or eat fresh fish at the village of Stevi Vala. Truth is, that probably you could achieve that with a rented car or by paying a taxi.

But none of them it would be the same. Hiking nourishes the mind, the body and the soul in ways that are impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Hiking is real and poetic. Just like Alonnisos.

A journey through time in Alonisos

Welcome to Alonissos

You don’t have enough time to explore the wholeness of this small majestic island. It could be just one more stop on your cruise, (there are incredible day-cruises in unbelievable prices). But, if you wish to have a journey through time, all you have to do is visit the old village of Alonnisos. It is called Ηora.

Ηora is the main village and usually is strategically located on a high point of the island. Every Greek island has its own picturesque and charming Hora and it is reasonable to wonder what is so special about the Ηora of Alonnisos. Meanwhile, our journey has just begun.

You have just arrived at the port of Alonissos

You noticed a group of people that consists of both locals and tourists. They are gathered and are waiting for something. Stay with them and when an old bus will arrive you should jump into it without a second thought. Neither are there many buses, nor a lot of destinations. It will not last long. Just a few minutes. Enjoy the ride.

You have just arrived at the Hora of Alonissos

The bus will stop at a square with a huge plane tree in the center. Normally you would love to stop and feel in your skin the shade of the old tree. But now an uphill paved path is appealing you to follow it. It is revealed in a seducing way. On the way up to the highest point, you will find little-crowded squares, old paleochristian churches, stone houses with impressive bougainvilleas and breathtaking views of the sea. The main path will be crossed by even narrower paths. You will find shops with local products and artworks. You will watch women chatting from their doorsteps. You will not meet cars. If you are lucky enough, you will meet a donkey.

It seems like time is stuck in another era…

Maybe it is stuck in 1965 when an earthquake was the reason for the abandonment of the village. Later, German and English travelers fell in love with the old ghost village and decided to regenerate it. They bought the old damaged buildings and renovated them. They respected the traditional architecture of the island. In other words, we could say that they respected the history and the heritage of Alonnisos, too. You can easily recognize that you are at a place that is loved.

You have just arrived at the end of the path

And now what? You can feel satisfied because of your achievement. But it is not only this.

The way up was a kind of ritual. Wandering along Hora means discovering the periods and the layers of Alonnisos. It is your own Ithaca of Cavafy. It was more important than reaching the highest point.

Hope the voyage is a long one and you will find your personal Cyclops, Phoenicians and Egyptians.

Hope the voyage is a long one and full of adventure and you will smell the sensual perfume of every kind.

Voyage is more important than the destination

Tips for being a Soulful Traveler

A genuine way to become a soulful traveler

There are countless reasons for traveling the world, whether it be for business, pleasure, or something in-between. Nevertheless, you will always meet a person that views traveling as an opportunity for personal growth, self-exploration, and inspiration. They are who we call a soulful traveler.

If you book your boat cruise to the Greek islands, there are endless activities for enjoyment. And, like a photographer needs a great camera to capture the beautiful scenery, a “soulful traveler” needs a clear and focused mind to get the most of their experience. Your mind creates your world and consequently your vacations, so your thoughts are the fundamental component of rewarding experiences.

Why this is important for your next trip?

Whether we are planning vacations or not, we have the tendency to expect things to happen in a specific way, unable to create space for ourselves to enjoy the present moment. Great travelers know how to embrace new experiences.

Soulful traveler, you are the creator.

You can travel the Greek islands just to enjoy the weather, the beauty, or the food, and that’s a successful holiday.

But, as a soulful traveler, you can think about how you will wander around the islands where Socrates had a conversation with Plato, under the same sky and over the blue waters. Greek islands and their history are a great place for the mind.

No matter how much you read about it, self-exploration is a unique and different journey for every one of us. You have to experience this for yourself.

As a gift from Hopwave, we gathered 5 “soulful tips” for your next trip.

Get to know a local. Ask them about old myths, and learn about their way of life.
Read a book after you wake up and before going to sleep. Your state of mind matters the most.
Spend at least 3 hours a day without your phone or computer.
Each day, do something you have never done before.
Create your day. As a painter, think of beautiful colours and let your mind guide you to your next masterpiece of a day.

Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this alone. Traveling is always an opportunity for growth both as an individual or as a group.

Don’t think too much, chase the moments!

Allow your friends at Hopwave to assist you in planning your Greek Island explorations.

Where to go in Greece: 4+1 Underrated Greek Destinations

4+1 options to help you explore Greece

So it’s time to explore the Greek islands. Because we are avid travelers, the hot-spot destinations swarming with tourists could potentially be underwhelming and overpriced. Not quite the experience we’ve been dreaming of.

No more wondering where to go in Greece! Pick your favorite places, book your tickets online, pack your bags and start traveling!

We crave the lesser known, and lesser traveled gems that offer authentic experiences to satisfy our wanderlust. Yes, we know, everyone says you must visit Santorini, but let’s save it for the off-season and consider these Greek islands that are underrated but remarkable.

Where to go in Greece – The island-style summer!

Nisyros

Off the beaten path

A volcanic island with charming hilltop villages, green meadows, and one of Greece’s most beautiful churches, this place is sure to satisfy those looking for the road less traveled.

Island Group: Dodecanese

Alonnisos

Life of leisure

One of the first inhabited Aegean islands, with a picturesque harbor, a notable wine region, and natural landscapes, Alonnisos is the perfect place to unwind.

Island Group: Sporades

Thassos

Lush natural landscapes

With stunning crystal beaches and mountainous forests, this island is the perfect relaxing getaway.

Island Group: North Aegean

Náxos

Best of both worlds

As the cultural center of classical Greece, Náxos is a hub of traditional culture and ancient sites, along with beautiful isolated beaches.

Island group: Cyclades

Where to go in Greece – The land-style summer!

Chalkidiki

Something for everyone

Not actually an island, but a group of three peninsulas in Northern Greece, Halkidiki is home to countless sandy beaches, intimate coves, green forests, ancient sites, and nightclubs, sure to satisfy all traveler types.

Before deciding on a place take into account some questions that could help you decide on the perfect destination for you:

City, beach or countryside?

Adventure or relaxation?

Shopping, culture or adrenaline?

Family, friends or boyfriend/girlfriend? Or maybe solo?

Independent travel or have everything organized for you?

Budget or splash the cash? Or somewhere in the middle?

Off the beaten track or a tried and tested destination?

With hopwave, you can explore these places, ensuring the ultimate experience. Take it from your island experts!

A Boat Cruise around Greek Islands…

Why a boat cruise…

When traveling to new places, travelers commonly explore on foot, by car, or by the means of public transportation. But, if you consider traveling in Greece, you’ve found the ideal country for exploring on a boat cruise.

Let’s see why a boat cruise can be the best way to explore the Greek Islands.

It’s impossible to experience Greece’s vast number of islands and their countless remote beaches in any other way!

While traveling by bus or car requires significant effort and patience, a boat cruise eliminates these pressures and offers pure relaxation. This allows you to savor every moment of your journey. Choosing a boat cruise amplifies the travel experience at every level.

From the cheerful spirit of the captain to the excited company of your travelers, you will feel a sense of togetherness that is unique to small boat cruises. A taste of exceptional Greek food along with a few icy cool drinks throughout the day is sure to enhance your trip even more. Not to mention, your photography skills will improve with the help of the crystal blue waters and breathtaking landscapes.

Each island is vastly different from the next. Visiting multiple islands in one day is a great way to maximize your potential and see as much as possible. As I’m sure you can guess…

This is attainable only by a boat cruise.

You’ll get the opportunity to swim around beaches and caves that aren’t accessible by land travel. Anything you see on the horizon and would love to know about, just ask the captain and he will fill you in. No breathtaking scenery will remain undiscovered. When the boat is anchored and you swim ashore, there’s even more to see.

You will find yourself floating in the crystalline waters and exploring the beauty around you from an entirely new perspective.

These are the priceless moments that the boat cruise offers, which typical forms of travel cannot.

All you have to do is decide which part of Greece you want to explore and book your tickets for an unforgettable boat cruise like this one around Milos.

Don’t ever forget…

“You don’t have to be rich to travel well” – Eugene Fodor

With hopwave by your side, you have one more local friend that is here to help you arrange the perfect trip.

Aphrodite – “Venus de Milo”

Aphrodite of Milos

Okay, I’m not going to tell you about Aphrodite. We’ve all heard of the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure.

Then what is this post about?

A volcanic island in the Aegean Sea known as “the island of Aphrodite.” Since we already know about her, we can imagine the allure of this island, better known as Milos.

Now, everyone has preconceptions about the Greek islands and their beauty. But, Milos may satisfy and exceed your expectations better than most of them.

Have you lost your mind?

With all the incredible Greek islands out there, how could Milos possibly be the best? Let’s remember, it is named after the irresistible goddess of beauty and pleasure after all.

Aphrodite!

Now, let’s forget what we think we know. Let’s search a little bit more, look further, embrace our imagination and let her go.

Milos is more than clear blue skies, crystalline waters, and uniquely stunning beaches. If we just ogle at Milos’s beauty, we wouldn’t be appreciating the depth of the island’s magic. Don’t you think Aphrodite would be upset if you only saw her for her beauty?

For this reason, we must remember Milos’ villagers. Let’s see through their eyes. Let’s feel the salty waters, gaze at the stars, and hear the hum of the boat as it glides along the waves, just like they do.

Discover Aphrodite

These rock-backed villages are telling more than an ancient story, they’re calling us to explore, they ask us to feel with a villager’s heart.

We must discover the fishing villages, like Klima, and feel the coolness of the fisherman’s homes that are carved into the rocks.

Or in Pollonia, we can walk along the fisherman’s wharves and watch the bobbing boats as the catch of the day is loaded ashore. There is magic in their way of life

If you want to visit Milos, take our advice and feel like a local; feel like a hopwaver.

To become a hopwaver is to become a traveler

Become a traveler!

Once you have the travel bug, there’s no going back!

To travel is not only to vacation far from home. True travelers, they know how to leave the comfort of familiarity for a place made entirely of uncertainty.

Why?

The love for the unknown.
The thrill of new experiences.
The passion for adventure.

You book the tickets and the accommodations. You find the best island tour guide, then pack your things and set sail!

Or…

You walk out our front door and curiously wander the streets. With no plan and an open mind, you discover the beauty around you!

As long as you embrace the journey and inspire good vibes, there is no wrong way to travel!

What should I see?
Where should I go?
What is the perfect souvenir?

Let me tell you, my friend. There is no right or wrong answer.

Get lost in your favorite island without Google Maps, or Yelp, or even without hopwave! We are here to help you but it’s your trip. So, Take the lead!

Travel like a local. Allow yourself to feel the vibes of the island and discover the ways of the people. Don’t obsess over your tour guide, nor your trip advisor app. Just talk with the locals and learn about all the “hidden” secret places!

Unsure where to start?

You’re in luck. Hopwave is here to help you discover beautiful and unique destinations around the Greek Islands. We want to bring you as many options as possible for you to decide what is the “bestest” one for YOU! Do yourself a favor, discover the most fulfilling experiences and pick the one you like the most.

But what is the difference between the tourist and the traveler?

Imagine: You’re in a square in front of a famous monument. The square is swarming with people, all posing for pictures. Your phone’s about to die due to using Google Maps all day. It’s hot, and you’re wondering if this was worth the long and crowded bus ride.

Now, imagine: You’re wandering down an unknown street. You put your phone away, you’re fully alert, and the world feels vibrant. Not sure exactly where you’re going, but you’re being led by an energy, a feeling. While you feel the air on your face, and hear foreign languages, a smell of an awesome local dish tickles your nose from a distance.

A tourist is told where to go and what to do. A traveler discovers where to go and what to do.

A tourist seeks advice from other tourists. A traveler seeks advice from locals.

Don’t be a tourist, become a traveler. Because being a traveler means that you follow your heart, not a map. Maybe live off the grid, and trust your instinct. Always, the best experiences waiting just outside of your comfort zone!

By now, I’m sure you have the travel bug. So… What is your next travel destination? Just get into the mood and hop from place to place, and let the waves lead you! Taste the hopwave experience and let yourself ride with the wind! What are you waiting for?