A Taste of Greece This October

A village square, chestnuts roasting nearby and music carrying on well into the afternoon. October in Greece has plenty of moments like these, if you know where to look.

Later this month, communities across the country are celebrating the things they make, grow and pass down: tsipouro in Thessaly, chestnuts in Crete and the Peloponnese, weaving and village recipes on Naxos. Santorini has something a little different planned, too.

Here are eight confirmed events between 15 and 25 October 2026 worth keeping in mind if you’re travelling in Greece.

Four days of village stories on Naxos

T’ Aperathitika · Apeiranthos, Naxos · 15–18 October

If you’re on Naxos in mid-October, leave some time for Apeiranthos. The mountain village is hosting four days of music, weaving, theatre and conversations about its language and customs.

There are traditional refreshments throughout the programme, while Sunday at 1pm brings a gathering devoted to local food. Other highlights include a weaving demonstration and a Saturday evening concert in the courtyard of Panagia Aperathitissa.

It’s a good opportunity to spend more than a quick sightseeing stop in the village, with plenty happening along the way.

See the published programme

Tsipouro takes its turn in Tyrnavos

Tsipouro & Spirits Festival · Tyrnavos, Thessaly · 17–18 October

Tyrnavos has a long relationship with tsipouro, and this weekend gives visitors a chance to meet some of the people behind it.

Saturday evening brings producer stands, traditional music and dancing. On Sunday, there’s a tsipouro masterclass, children’s activities and live music from lunchtime. The masterclass needs a reservation, so check ahead if that’s on your list.

Two traditional distilling sites will also be open to visitors during the weekend. For anyone curious about how tsipouro is made, they’re worth adding to the day.

See the organiser’s programme

Sunday in Ano Kerasovo

18th Chestnut Festival · Ano Kerasovo, Aetolia-Acarnania · 18 October

Ano Kerasovo’s chestnut festival starts at 11am on the village sports ground, with local products, food and live music.

The village is making a weekend of it: on Saturday, 17 October, runners and walkers can join an event along the “Chestnut Trail”, before Sunday’s main celebration.

Part of the festival’s proceeds will support Agrinio’s services for people experiencing homelessness, giving the gathering a purpose beyond a pleasant afternoon out.

Read the festival announcement

Something different on Santorini’s menu

From Threat to Opportunity · Santorini · 21–22 October

Lionfish might be an unexpected subject for a food event, but that’s exactly what Santorini has planned this month.

The University of the Aegean is organising a two-day gathering through the GuardIAS project, looking at lionfish and the management of invasive marine species. The first day is devoted to education, at De Sol Spa Hotel on 21 October, from 11am.

On 22 October, the programme moves to Santo 1911 in Vlychada, where the gastronomic gathering begins at 4pm. An interesting addition to the calendar for anyone whose curiosity about the islands extends to what’s happening beneath the water.

See the event announcement

Chestnut season in western Crete

Inachorio Chestnut Celebrations · Vlatos, Limni and Elos, Crete · 23–25 October

There’s a good reason to head inland from Crete’s western coast this month. The villages of Vlatos, Limni and Elos, in the Kissamos region, are hosting three days of chestnut celebrations.

The event is organised by the municipality and local cultural associations, with free admission. It’s a chance to explore the villages of Inachorio at a time when the autumn harvest brings people together.

Check the organisers’ updates before setting off, as the celebrations take place across several villages.

Follow the cultural federation’s event listing

Take your time in Kastanitsa

42nd Chestnut Festival · Kastanitsa, Arcadia · 24–25 October

Kastanitsa has been celebrating chestnuts for decades, and its 42nd festival gives visitors plenty to fill a weekend.

There are chestnut dishes to try, local products, music, dancing and activities for children. The “Chestnut Route” also offers a way to explore the village and learn about its history, buildings and surroundings between food stops.

The festival runs from 10am to 8pm on both days, with free admission. Comfortable shoes are a good idea: Kastanitsa is a mountain village, and a day of wandering includes a few slopes.

See the Visit Greece listing

A walk, then lunch in Livadi

28th Chestnut Festival · Livadi, Municipality of Thermi · 25 October

Livadi has Sunday nicely arranged. Those who fancy a walk can meet at the village football ground at 9am for a hike towards Kalogeriko.

From noon, attention turns to the grills. Roasted chestnuts, red wine, local food, live traditional music and dance performances make up the main celebration.

If you’re staying in Thessaloniki, this is one to consider for a day out in the countryside. You can join the morning walk or arrive in time for the festival.

See the Municipality of Thermi announcement

Around the table in Neos Skopos

Tsipouro Festival · Neos Skopos, Serres · 25 October

In Neos Skopos, the end of the grape harvest signals the start of distilling season. The village’s Orfeas association marks the occasion with a tsipouro festival, beginning at 1pm in the village square.

Expect food, music and a gathering rooted in a tradition that has passed from one generation to the next. The local stills are part of that story, bringing people together each autumn.

For travellers exploring the Serres region, it’s a good reason to leave Sunday afternoon free.

Read the announcement featuring the organiser’s invitation

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Dates are based on published announcements for October 2026. Check the linked event pages for programme updates before travelling.