The major cultural festivals which comprise the Hellenic Festival open, with events at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus-Lycatbetus and at the ancient theater at Epidaurus.
Dozens of other summer festivals begin in June. Some of them include the Patras and Gythio festivals in the Peloponnese, performances by the Nelly Dimoglou troupe begin at the Old City of Rhodes on Rhodes, and the Lato Cultural Festival in and around Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete.
For modern music fans, Rockwave 2009, often held in July, is at the end of June this year, from the 27th through the 30th.
In 2009, Aegean Airlines sponsors the Fourth Annual Aegean Pro-Am Golf Tournament at the Porto Carras Golf Club in Chalkidiki, Greece. Previous tournaments have bee at the Crete Golf Club, so note the change.
Greece in Brief
Mainland Weather: Hot to very hotIsland/Coastal Weather: Hot, but cooled by breezes in many places
Sample Average Temperatures:
Note: 2006 has already been odd on average temperatures; May started out colder than usual and ended up hotter than usual, already exceeding the usual temperatures for June. The average temperatures listed below are more typical but my feeling is that this summer will be an exceptionally hot one and you may need some tips to help beat the heat in Greece.
Athens: 67-83 F 19-28 C
Heraklion, Crete 66-80 F 18-26 C
Prices: High; early in the month there may still be some bargains.
Events: Local festivals, arts festivals aimed at tourists, sound and light shows. Outdoor cinemas are popular; many mountain villages have special events primarily attended by Greeks though all are welcome. Ioannina Cultural Summer events begin, and continue through August.
Facilities: Everything is open. Most frequent flights, ferries - often crowded but easiest to get around at this time of year, though the meltemi may cause some delays. Many resorts will have activities aimed at children; waterparks open.
Festivals and Feast Days
Please note: festivals change their dates due to many factors. If you are planning a trip around a particular festival, locally confirm that it is actually happening before you go. Corrections and additions to this list are welcomed.
April-October Sound and Light Show at the Acropolis
June-August - Patras - Patras International Festival
June-August - Athens - Lycabettus Theater Festival
June - September - Gythio Festival
June-September Athens Festival
June-September Penteli - Krystallia at Penteli in the tower
June-September Petroupoli - Petras Festival
June-October Nelly Dimoglou troupe at the Old City of Rhodes on Rhodes.
June - Various dates - Syros - Performances in Apoloon Theater
June - First Weekend - Karpathos - Amopi - Local Festival - varies each month. June is devoted to wine.
June - Start of the month - Florina - Festival of Local Dances
June - September - Agios Nikolaos - Crete - "Lato" Cultural festival through September
June - End of the month - Lesbos - Agia Paraskevis - Festival of the Bull - three-day festival with horse races, music.
June - End of the month - Navy Week - celebrated at most important ports and harbors in Greece.
June - End of the month - Lesbos - Molyvos and Kaloni - Navy week celebrations
June - Krousta - Crete - Feast of the Klidona
June 1 - 10 - Alexandroupolis - Flower Show
June 2nd - Lesvos - Kaloni - Festival of the Holy Trinity - horse races, wine.
June 2nd - Paros - Lefkes - Feast day of Agia Triada
June 2nd - Name Day for Nikiforos, Nikiphoros
June 4th - Name Day for Martha
June 5th - International Environment Day - free admission to some museums and sites. Name Day for Apollo
June 8th - Ascension of Jesus; Name Day of Calliope
June 11th - Name Day for Barnabas
June 14th - Feast of St. Methodios
Between June 25th- July 15th -One Sunday in this time - Emborio in Kozani -Flowers and Cherry Blossom Dance
June 15- October 30th Amorgos - Festival of local customs
June 15- October 30th Mykonos Art Exhibit
June 20th-30th approx - Klidonas, Crete - Fortunetelling festival.
June 23rd - Paros - Aliki Beach - Revival of an ancient custom of jumping over bonfires made from May Day wreaths
June 24th - Nativity of St. John
June 26th - Name Day for David
June 29th - Feast of St. Peter
June 30th - Feast Day for The Twelve Holy Apostles; Name Day for Apostolos
Planning your trip to Greece? Find and compare hotel rates at many locations in Greece:
Hotels in Greece
Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek Airfares
You can also pre-book tours in and around Athens: Athens Tours you can Book Direct
