Best Time to Visit the Adriatic Sea

Spring and Fall are the best times to visit the Adriatic Sea including Greece, Croatia, Albania, and Montenegro. May, June, September, and October have their own highlights in each country; from the coast of Croatia to the historic cities of Montenegro, Greece, and Albania, there are Adriatic Sea cruises that show you the history and beauty of the Mediterranean. 

May
On the Grecian Island of Corfu in May is the Krini Panegyri Festival, a celebration that dates back to ancient Greece when generals would hold celebrations to honor different gods. The tradition continues across Greece today, festivals are held in honor of patron saints. Expect lots of Greek food, music, and traditional dancing.
In Croatia, the city of Dubrovnik holds an outdoor festival in May. The festival has workshops, food, and fun while promoting healthy activities within and in the surrounding landscapes of the city. Hiking, biking, climbing, sea kayaking, and races take place during the multiple-day event.
One of the highlights of visiting Kotor in Montenegro in May, besides the incredible bay and the vibrant streets of the Old Town, is having the room to stretch your legs away from the crowds of summer. Spring here brings the city to life; people from all walks of life are out and about enjoying the sunshine.
For spring beach and sun lovers, Sandra in Albania is a paradise where historic ruins, castles, and monasteries compete with peaceful stretches of sand overlooking incredible blue water.

June
In Athens between June and August, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival takes place across the city at ancient theaters. Music, theater, and dance take center stage, and each year brings new productions of classic plays, internationally acclaimed artists, and some of the best choreographers in the world.
In Croatia, June is the calm before the storm of the summer months. The coast is still clear of busy crowds, the major attractions are open in the cities, and the weather isn’t so hot that going out and about is an excursion in itself. 
During June and continuing into July, the city of Zagreb hosts its Summer Evenings program where musicians of all genres come to play from all over the world.
The waters of the Adriatic Sea around Kotor in June are in the 70s, great for exploring by sea. The Blue Cave is at the entrance of Kotor Bay where swimming and snorkeling in the sheltered grotto are a fun experience away from the hustle of the beachside town.

September
On the Greek island of Santorini, the feast day of Agios Ioannis is celebrated every September in the capital of Fira. The feast is celebrated all over Greece on different dates and brings traditional dance and music to the forefront of the stunning island as well as more than enough food to feed the throngs of people who attend.
The Hvar Summer Festival in Croatia takes place throughout the month of September featuring theater and music performances all over the city at historic landmarks, plazas, and stages.
The town of Stari Bar in Montenegro is great to explore in September as the crowds of summer have left and the pace has returned to the sleepy city’s normal gait. Exploring the Old Town is a highlight, where hilltop views give you an eagle eye’s perspective of the stunning landscape.
In Tirana, the capital of Albania, there are many events throughout the fall including the Tirana International Art Fair that brings artists from all over the country to show their work.

October
The grape harvests take center stage in Crete during October. Caldron Feasts take place all over the city, people gather to have a glass of Raki, the locally produced spirit- eat, dance, and enjoy the fall with friends. 
For classical music fans, the Zagreb International Chamber Music Festival is a series of six concerts held in the city’s renowned music halls featuring the best musicians in the country.
For foodie travelers, the city of Tivat in Montenegro has a week-long “Summer of Good Taste” festival where restaurants, bars, and hotels open their doors with food events that showcase the culinary skills of the city.
For film fans, the Tirana International Film Festival takes place in either September or October, depending on the year. The festival showcases the work of up and coming Albanian and international directors.
For more information about planning a trip to the Adriatic Sea and your options for visiting the different destinations on a cruise, contact one of our travel experts.