28 October 2026 in Greece: Where to Go This Year

28 October 2026 falls on a Wednesday. That means no ready-made long weekend, but with two days of annual leave you can make it a five-day break: either Saturday 24 to Wednesday 28 October (taking Monday and Tuesday off), or Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November (taking Thursday and Friday off). If you cannot take any leave, there is still the option of a day trip or an overnight stay from Tuesday to Wednesday. Below, you will find ideas for where to go over the 28 October public holiday, depending on how much time you have, where you are starting from and what you enjoy: mountains and log fires, cities and museums, or one last swim in the sea.

We have written a separate, detailed guide to each destination, covering sights, suggested itineraries, food and hotels. Here, we explain briefly why each is worth visiting in October and who it will suit.

How to plan your break around 28 October 2026

• Just the Wednesday: take a day trip or stay overnight on Tuesday. Choose somewhere within a 2.5-hour drive: Nafplio or Arachova from Athens, Nymfaio or Kastoria from Thessaloniki.
• Five days from Saturday to Wednesday: you will need to take Monday and Tuesday off. Ideal for combining mountain destinations, such as Metsovo and Zagorochoria, or for a trip abroad.
• Five days from Wednesday to Sunday: take Thursday and Friday off. This usually works out a little cheaper, as most people prefer to extend the preceding weekend.

A practical point: parades take place across Greece on the day itself, including the major military parade in Thessaloniki. Roads in the city centre close early in the morning, so allow for this if you are passing through. Motorway traffic peaks on the afternoon before the holiday and after 4pm on the final day of a two-day or five-day break.

Destinations near Athens for 28 October

Nafplio

Two hours from Athens, with an old town that is a pleasure to explore on foot in October, without the summer heat. Visit Palamidi in the morning, stroll along Arvanitia and stop for a meal in the narrow streets. If the weather holds, you can still swim at Karathona. It works well as a day trip, too. See our travel guide to Nafplio.

Arachova and Delphi

The archaeological site of Delphi is less crowded after summer, with light that is particularly good for photography. In the evening, head up to Arachova for tsipouro and formaella cheese. By the end of the month, log fires are usually already lit. Find all the details in our guide to Arachova and Delphi.

Monemvasia

One for those with at least two nights to spare. Life in the fortified town moves at a gentler pace in October, and many places to stay within the walls are still open. Combine it with Gerakas or the Vatika area. See our guide to Monemvasia.

Kalavryta

The rack railway from Kalavryta towards the Vouraikos Gorge, the Cave of the Lakes and the Monastery of Mega Spilaio will easily fill two days. The ski resort has not yet opened, so the town is quieter than in winter. Read more in our guide to Kalavryta.

Dimitsana and Stemnitsa

Stone-built villages in Gortynia, the Lousios trail and the Open-Air Water Power Museum. In late October, the woodland around the Lousios begins to change colour. A good choice for walkers. See our guide to Dimitsana and Stemnitsa.

Karpenisi

A little over three hours from Athens, with fir forests, Mikro and Megalo Chorio, Prousos and rafting on the Megdovas when water levels allow. A good choice for groups of friends and families. Find everything in our guide to Karpenisi.

Nafpaktos

A castle, a little Venetian harbour and the sea at your feet, just beyond the Rio–Antirrio Bridge. It is not usually the first place people suggest, and that is part of its appeal over a public holiday. See our guide to Nafpaktos.

Looking for more ideas near the capital? We have rounded up destinations near Athens for the 28 October holiday weekend.

Destinations from Thessaloniki and northern Greece

Kastoria

Lake Orestiada in the morning mist, grand old houses in Doltso and Apozari, and a circuit of the peninsula by car or bicycle. Two hours from Thessaloniki. See our guide to Kastoria.

Nymfaio

One of Greece’s best-kept mountain villages, set in a beech forest that turns red in late October. The Arcturos brown bear sanctuary is a little further down. A good overnight stop when combined with Kastoria or Florina. Find everything in our guide to Nymfaio.

Pelion

Pelion offers the best of both worlds in October: chestnuts and tsipouro in the mountain villages, and calm seas along the coast. Makrinitsa, Tsagarada, Zagora, Damouchari. However many days you stay, there is always more to explore. See our guide to Pelion.

For trips from Thessaloniki, we also have a separate list of getaways near Thessaloniki for the 28 October long weekend, plus nearby destinations by road, with journey times and costs.

Mountains and log fires: Epirus and Thessaly

Zagorochoria

If you have five days, this is a wonderful place to spend them. The Vikos Gorge, stone bridges, Papingo, Monodendri and Aristi await. The plane trees and maples in the Voidomatis valley change colour towards the end of the month. Pack sturdy shoes and something waterproof. See our complete guide to Zagorochoria.

Metsovo

Cheeses, Katogi wine, the Tositsa Museum and the Averoff Gallery. Metsovo lies on the Egnatia motorway route, making it an easy stop on the way to or from Zagorochoria. See our guide to Metsovo.

Kalambaka and Meteora

Around four hours from Athens and less than three from Thessaloniki. Check ahead to see which monasteries will be open on the day you visit, as each has its own closing day. Catch the sunset from the plateau above the Monastery of St Stephen. Find the details in our guide to Kalambaka and Meteora.

Lake Plastira

Peace and quiet, a mountain lake and wooden chalets. Best suited to couples who want to unwind rather than tick off ten sights. See our guide to Lake Plastira.

Islands for 28 October: one last swim

Crete

The sea is still warm in late October, usually around 22 to 23°C. Explore Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion, along with gorges that are much more comfortable to walk through at this time of year. Five days makes for a lovely trip, whether you fly or take the overnight ferry. See our travel guide to Crete.

Rhodes

The medieval town, Lindos and Prasonisi. Summer weather lingers here longer than in most places, and hotels on the east coast often stay open until early November. Find everything in our guide to Rhodes.

Trips abroad for 28 October: cities and nearby countries

With five days to spare, a trip abroad becomes an option too. Book tickets as early as possible, as fares for flights on the Friday and Saturday before the holiday rise quickly.

The Balkans by road

• Lake Ohrid: around 3.5 hours from Thessaloniki. Explore the old town, visit the Church of St John at Kaneo and take a boat trip on the lake. Guide to Ohrid.
• Sofia: four hours from Thessaloniki, with low prices, museums and a day trip to Rila Monastery. A trip to Sofia.
• Belgrade: Kalemegdan Fortress, Skadarlija and nightlife along the rivers. Guide to Belgrade.
• Tirana and the Albanian Riviera: a colourful city full of cafés, followed by the coast at Ksamil, where the crowds have gone by October. Guide to Tirana and the Riviera.
• Bucharest: the Palace of Parliament, the old town and, if you have an extra day, the castles of Transylvania. Guide to Bucharest.

City breaks with direct flights

• Istanbul: the easiest city break from Greece, with daily flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. Guide to Istanbul.
• Rome: October is perhaps the best month to explore the city on foot. Guide to Rome.
• Malta: warm weather, the sea and Valletta, just as Greece starts to cool down. Guide to Malta.
• Prague and Budapest: autumn parks and mulled wine, before the Christmas crowds arrive. Guide to Prague and guide to Budapest.
• Barcelona and Lisbon: for those still craving sunshine and a summery feel. Guide to Barcelona and guide to Lisbon.
• Dubrovnik: walking the city walls without the summer cruise-ship crowds is a very different experience. Guide to Dubrovnik.

Which destination should you choose? A quick comparison

• For couples: Zagorochoria, Monemvasia, Lake Plastira, Nafplio.
• With children: Karpenisi, Kalavryta (the little train is always a hit), Rhodes, Pelion.
• With friends: Arachova, Belgrade, Karpenisi, Sofia.
• On a budget: Sofia, Ohrid, Tirana, Nafpaktos.
• For hiking: Zagorochoria, the Lousios near Dimitsana, Crete.
• For the sea: Crete, Rhodes, Malta, the Albanian Riviera.

Tips before you go

• Book your room now. In the mountain villages, the best places with fireplaces fill up first. Many require a minimum two-night stay over the holiday.
• Check the cancellation policy. The weather can change quickly in late October, so a booking with free cancellation gives you some flexibility.
• Pack layers. In the mountains, morning temperatures can drop below 10°C, while midday may be sunny.
• Set off early. Leave before 8am and you will avoid most of the traffic.
• Check opening times. Some museums and archaeological sites have different opening hours on 28 October. A quick look at the official website can save disappointment.

For more general inspiration, take a look at our article on trips for 28 October.

Frequently asked questions

What day does 28 October 2026 fall on?

It falls on a Wednesday. That does not automatically create a three-day weekend, but taking two days off, either Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday, gives you a five-day break.

Where should I go near Athens for 28 October?

For a day trip or an overnight stay, Nafplio and Arachova with Delphi are the easiest options, around two hours away by road. With two or three nights, consider Kalavryta, Monemvasia, Dimitsana or Karpenisi.

Where should I go from Thessaloniki for 28 October?

Within Greece, try Kastoria, Nymfaio or Pelion. If you have more time, drive to Ohrid, Sofia or Belgrade, or head to Meteora and Zagorochoria via the Egnatia motorway.

Can you swim in late October?

Usually yes, in the south. The sea around Crete and Rhodes is still warm, and in most years you can swim comfortably. Abroad, Malta has similar temperatures.

Which destinations abroad are worth visiting for 28 October?

For a short break with an easy flight, try Istanbul, Rome or Budapest. For a road trip from northern Greece, choose Ohrid or Sofia. For sunshine, consider Malta, Lisbon or Barcelona.

How far ahead should I book a hotel?

For popular mountain destinations such as Zagorochoria, Arachova and Pelion, book as early as possible. In the final two weeks before the holiday, availability drops noticeably and prices rise.