Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-10-02
If you want beach time in Greece in October, focus on the south and southeast. Warm conditions depend not only on air temperatures, but also on sea temperature, wind exposure and how long an island holds summer heat. That is why Crete, Rhodes, Kos and in some cases Karpathos are usually safer bets than islands farther north. From Switzerland, check departures from ZRH, BSL and GVA; depending on timing, MXP or LYS can also be useful alternatives if direct flights are limited or flight times are better.
Which Greek islands are warmest in October?
The most reliable islands for late-summer conditions are usually Crete and Rhodes. Both sit far south and often keep warmer sea temperatures and plenty of sunshine well into autumn. Kos can also still feel pleasant in October, especially in the first half of the month. Karpathos is appealing climatically, but flights are often less straightforward. Corfu, Skiathos and islands in the northern Aegean are more changeable by then. If you are specifically searching for warm Greece in October, southern islands are usually a better fit than greener western or northern favourites.
Crete: the best all-round choice for swimming
Crete is often the most practical autumn island for travellers from Switzerland. Its season is long, the sea often stays relatively pleasant, and the island is large enough to offer different microclimates. Around Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion, you will usually find the best mix of flights and hotels. The south coast can feel calmer and warmer, but it is less convenient to reach. Crete works especially well if you want more than just beach time in October, with tavernas, day trips and backup options in case the weather is mixed.
Rhodes and Kos: warm options, but watch the wind
Rhodes is often a very good October choice, especially along more sheltered stretches of coast. Tourist infrastructure tends to stay open longer, and beach days are still realistic. Kos can work well too, but it is often a bit more exposed to wind. In practice, the location of your hotel matters a lot. Bays on the east or southeast side are often better for swimming than open west-facing beaches. So if calm water matters to you, choose not only the island carefully but also the exact beach area and coastal orientation.
Is Greece in October still worth it for a beach holiday?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. Early October gives you clearly better odds of multiple swim days than the end of the month. You may get warm weather, but also wind, clouds or a rainy day. If you want guaranteed beach weather every day, high summer is still more reliable. For an autumn extension with a mix of swimming, good food, walks and some sightseeing, Greece in October works very well. Another advantage is that many islands feel calmer than in peak season, which often improves the overall value for money.
From Switzerland: which airports make sense in October?
For Greek islands in October, ZRH and GVA are often the strongest options for direct flights, while BSL can also be useful depending on the island. On off-peak travel days or for smaller islands, it is worth comparing MXP and LYS too, especially if you live in western Switzerland or Ticino or are happy to drive. The return flight pattern matters as well: some routes are reduced in October, so convenient schedules can become rarer. If you are watching your budget, weekday departures and travel outside cantonal autumn school holiday windows often help.
Which island suits which type of traveller?
For the best chance of warm swimming weather, Crete is usually the safest recommendation. Rhodes is a strong fit if you want a compact island with beaches, a town base and a season that often remains fairly active. Kos suits shorter beach breaks when flights and hotel location line up well. If you prefer quieter places and accept a slightly trickier journey, Karpathos can be worth a look. Greece in October is not postcard summer every single day, but as a warm European autumn destination from Switzerland, it remains one of the more sensible choices.
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