In August, the mornings will be your best bet for sightseeing, as the heat grows strongest about 1pm, making the Greek habit of taking an afternoon nap or relaxation period very attractive.
In August the Ikarus Center at the mountain village of Avdou will host a free Rock Festival featuring a dozen international acts. Though it feels remote, the road to Avdou is good and it's a quick drive from Chersonissos, Mallia, or Heraklion.
Many Greeks travel home for the Festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Dormition, on August 15th, which is celebrated throughout Greece. It's a national holiday, so many sites and businesses will be closed.
Because of the increased domestic travel, transportation is jammed. Travelers with Greek surnames reportedly seem to fare better on getting that last seat during the first two weeks of the month. Travel on and around the 15th itself is usually limited.
Many Greeks will also be observing a Lenten-like fast for the period between August 1st and the 15th, when the fast gives way to feasting. This generally does not affect what is available for tourists to eat, though some additional fast-friendly specialty dishes may be worth a try.
The cultural festivals of Greece are in full swing as the Patras Festival begins, and dozens of other major and minor festivals take advantage of the crowds to present the best of Greek culture to as many minds and souls as possible. The island of Aigina offers its classically-flavored International Music Festival.
Grape harvest festivals are underway in several places. The Dodecanese islands of Samos and Rhodes both host major festivals.
Traveling during the Full Moon? Check to see if any local site is open for the annual Full Moon in August festivities. The choice of sites changes each year, but the Acropolis is always among those open until midnight, letting travelers see the ancient ruins bleached white by the moonlight.
See the full August festival list, or go on to the next page for a quick look at rates, weather, and crowd levels for August.
Planning your trip to Greece? Find and compare hotel rates at many locations in Greece: Hotels in Greece
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You can also pre-book tours in and around Athens: Athens Tours you can Book Direct
