When the summer calendar ends, most people put aside their beach holidays. However, the Aegean offers a different kind of beauty in autumn. The sun is still warm, the sea is still inviting, but the crowds have receded, the streets have quieted, and nature has returned to its natural rhythm. Swimming on the Greek islands in September and October means experiencing the best moments of summer in a more serene atmosphere.
In this article, we'll explore five Greek islands, each distinguished by their proximity to Türkiye and their still-warm, clear waters in autumn. Each has a distinct character: some whisper history with their cobblestone streets, others captivate with their turquoise bays, and still others draw visitors in with their tranquility.

1. Kos (Istanköy): History and the Sea Side by Side

Located opposite Bodrum, Kos is an island known for its historical and natural beauty. Once one of the busiest summer destinations, Kos calms down from mid-September onward. The beaches of Tigaki, Marmari, and Agios Stefanos, free from the summer crowds, are more peaceful and authentic.
  • Tigaki Beach offers a glass-like surface, especially in the morning hours, with its kilometers of white sand and shallow sea.
  • Visiting the ancient city of Asklepion and then swimming in Tigaki are like two different sides of the same day.
  • It's a 30-minute ferry ride from Bodrum. It's even possible to leave in the morning and return in the evening.
Swimming in Kos is not just a holiday activity; it is an experience intertwined with history, in the shade of ancient rocks.

2. Samos: Swimming with the Rhythm of Nature

Reachable by ferry from Kuşadası and Seferihisar, Samos is the lush green side of the Aegean. With its mountain villages, vineyards, and hiking trails, it's an ideal destination for nature lovers. But best of all, the bays that await you at the end of this natural wonderland.
  • Potami Beach, combined with the waterfall and forest behind it, turns into a temple of nature.
  • Livadaki Beach is small but clear; it looks like a reflection on the sea surface in the morning hours.
  • Walking down from Manolates Village to the beach is one of the most beautiful passages the island has to offer.
Swimming in Samos is like following the rhythm of nature: quiet, deep and rejuvenating.

3. Chios: Mastic Scented Bays

Just a 30-40-minute ferry ride from Çeşme, Chios Island is known for its mastic trees and its coves. In September, the sea is still warm, but the beaches have quieted.
  • Mavra Volia Beach is visually impressive with its black volcanic rocks. The sea is deep but crystal clear.
  • Komi and Lithi beaches are shallower and family-friendly, especially calm in the morning.
  • Visiting the mastic villages and then swimming at Komi Beach offers an experience that combines culture and nature.
Swimming in the sea in Chios is not just about cooling off; it is about breathing in the spirit of the island along with the mastic-scented wind.

4. Rhodes: From the Middle Ages to the Bays

Reachable by ferry from Marmaris and Fethiye, Rhodes is one of the largest islands in the Aegean. One of the most crowded summer destinations, the island breathes a sigh of relief in September. The streets quiet down, the beaches empty, but the sea remains warm.
  • Anthony Quinn Bay is a cove hidden among the cliffs. The water is crystal clear and the colors are cinematic.
  • Tsambika and Agathi beaches, with their golden sands and shallow seas, are ideal especially for families with children.
  • Walking the stone streets of the Old Town and then swimming in a bay is like a passage between times.
Swimming in Rhodes is like taking part in a scene where history and nature intertwine.

5. Leros: Blue in Silence

Just a short ferry ride from Kos, Leros feels almost like a private island in autumn: no crowds, no noise, just sea and silence.
  • Alinda Beach, with its long coastline and calm sea, is ideal for morning swims.
  • The beaches of Vromolithos and Panteli stand out with their small but clear bays.
  • A short nap on the beach after lunch at a fish tavern in Panteli is perfect for the autumn spirit.
Swimming in the sea in Leros means disconnecting from the outside world and being left with only the sound of the water.

Practical Tips for Swimming in the Fall

  • The sea temperature is around 24–26°C in mid-September and 22–24°C in early October.
  • As the breezes diminish, northern winds begin to set in. This is why choosing a bay is so important.
  • Ferry services may be reduced at the end of the season, so it is important to check in advance.
  • Don't forget to take a thin shawl, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for the cool evenings.
The end of summer doesn't have to mean a break from the sea. Some Aegean islands become even more beautiful in autumn. Once the crowds have receded, what remains is the islands' true sound: footsteps echoing on stone streets, olive branches swaying in the wind, the crash of waves on an empty beach. If you're looking for an escape this season, these five islands await you.