Greece, warmed by the warm Mediterranean sun, is always popular among tourists from all over the world, especially in spring and summer. However, this is not surprising, because a holiday in Greece in May involves nature pouring into strength, excellent beaches, clear sea, more than an interesting culture and developed tourist infrastructure. A trip to this country is simply bound to become a truly vivid memory – the local hospitality and flavor are conducive to this!

Peculiarities

Greece has many advantages as a country for recreation, but do not forget about banal foresight. Pay attention to which taxi you get into. If this is a private trader, you risk paying exorbitant prices. Before you start your trip, check the fare and make sure the driver turned on the meter in good faith. The peculiarities of the local mentality are such that the rural population or the inhabitants of the periphery are unlikely to demonstrate a high degree of cordiality towards a woman traveling unaccompanied. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.

Weather

Despite the fact that Greece is a relatively small country, the climatic conditions here are not uniform. Basically, this effect appears due to the peculiarities of its landscape and geographical location. Due to the presence of mountain ranges and the fact that Greece is surrounded by the sea, there are three types of climate: temperate, alpine and mediterranean. At the same time, the part of the country that lies to the east of Thessaly is dry, while the western regions are traditionally more humid. In May, the rains may well break, but they are relatively few even in the most humid regions of Greece.

However, these rains are not very strong and will not be able to completely spoil the rest. Despite the fact that the average air temperature is +25 degrees, in some areas it rises to +35 and above. Be prepared that in central Greece and in the north it will be quite cool at night, so you should not go for a night walk along the beach without a jacket. The south is traditionally warmer. In general, such weather is comfortable for recreation, as it allows you to fully plunge into the anticipation of the imminent onset of summer.

Is it possible to swim

Greece is considered to be a true paradise for beach lovers. There are various types of beaches – from sandy to rocky. May is not bad for swimming, although the real peak of the beach season is still in the summer. It is best to refrain from swimming at the beginning of the month – at this time the water is not warm enough. By the end of May, it reaches the temperature of “fresh milk”, that is, it becomes warm enough even to allow children to splash in shallow water. On average, temperatures range from +18.5 to +21 degrees Celsius. Warming is observed towards the end of the month.

Which resort to choose

The choice of resort mainly depends on how you want to see your vacation. In Greece, there are recognized centers for sightseeing holidays, there are also beach capitals. Some of the more notable resorts are listed below.

Crete

The largest island of Greece, the birthplace of the Minoan civilization and simply the habitat of Zeus – Crete – today is one of the most popular tourist centers in the Mediterranean. We will leave the shards and excavations to the archaeologists and go for a walk through the labyrinth of the Minotaur, relax on one of the three seas surrounding the archipelago, examine the pearls of Arabic, Turkish and Venetian architecture. The island consists of four main regions. Its “soul” lies in Rethymno, an ancient region that has managed to preserve its authentic appearance. In addition to purely booklet views with tiled roofs, graceful mosques and cobbled streets, there are colorful gorges, deep caves and clean beaches.

Less fortunate was Heraklion, the central part of the island. During the Second World War, it was badly damaged, but the labyrinth of the ancient Greek monster and several palaces have been preserved here. If you are planning a luxury holiday, head east. Lassithi is famous not only for its hotels and Voulismeni salt lake, but also for the paradise beach of Vai, where, as the locals continue to gossip, the Bounty was filmed. And of course Chania, the greenest part of the island, is somewhat mystical. The White Mountains pass into the largest canyon in Europe, which merges with the wild beaches of Scythia and the pink sands of Elafonisi.

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Kos

This island is often called the “Garden of the Aegean”, as it is perhaps the greenest of the Greek islands. However, tourists come here not only because of the lush greenery. A couple of days is hardly enough to view local attractions. There are monuments of Greco-Roman medieval architecture, and picturesque port towns with colorful shops and graceful streets in the Byzantine style. The beaches of Kos are more than varied. It is noteworthy that in some parts of the coast there are so-called natural jacuzzis – small bubbles rise from the bottom.

There are also hot springs rich in sulfur. Some of the most popular beaches are located in the resort of Kefalos, famous for its almost textbook Byzantine basilicas. The resorts of the south are ideal for families with children, as the sea is calmer here. But to the north it is better to go to fans of surfing. The winds of the Aegean Sea provide surfers with ideal conditions to conquer the waves.

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Rhodes

Rhodes is rightfully one of the most visited islands in Greece. There are all conditions for almost any type of recreation. The etymology of the name is still a lively debate among researchers. Some insist that it came from the ancient “rose”, as the island is famous for its stone flowers. Others believe that the word “red” was still the original. The north of Rhodes is the epicenter of lively resorts, but the south has a more relaxed rhythm. Despite the fact that many beaches of Rhodes are pebbly, they are clean and suitable, among other things, for relaxing with young travelers. If you move south from the home of the notorious Colossus of Rhodes, you will definitely stumble upon Faliraki.

This city is known primarily as a center of nightlife, but many couples with children relax here due to the presence of good beaches and the largest water park on the island. Immediately behind him is Lindos, who has a “tourist”, which is hardly inferior to the capital. To the south begins the most fertile strip of beaches of Rhodes, which stretches for almost thirty kilometers. These beaches are less developed in terms of infrastructure, but they are clean, picturesque and somewhat wild. They are especially popular among tourists tired of noisy resorts. For relaxation, you can stay in Ixia or Ialyssos.

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Thessaloniki

Still a significant cultural center of old Macedonia, even today it attracts guests with its festivals and vibrant events. Many great civilizations left their legacy in the shape of Thessaloniki – the Byzantine, Ottoman, Roman nations left their traces in stone. The influence of the Jewish masters of antiquity is also noticeable. It is noteworthy that modernity has not fully come into its own here. Encroachments on the part of the canons of architecture of the twenty-first century are practically invisible – even today there are no high-rise buildings here, and nothing prevents you from enjoying sea panoramas from almost any window. Despite its reputation today, Thessaloniki can hardly be called a beach resort.

The quality of a beach holiday here is inferior to other tourist centers due to the presence of a large port, but the beaches in the suburbs are very good. Almost along the entire perimeter, the entrance to the sea is gentle, and the sand itself contains a slight admixture of pebbles, so a holiday with children will be great. The beaches of Halkidiki are considered the best. The strong point of Thessaloniki is diving. Three diving centers are open in the city itself, and in the vicinity there are fifteen interesting bottom areas that will allow you to enjoy not only views of colorful coral reefs and their nimble inhabitants, but also ancient sunken ships.

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Thassos

Directly opposite the coast of Eastern Macedonia lies the flourishing island of Thassos. Not far from its modern version, the ruins of an ancient city were found, which bore a similar name. Thassos is a kind of green hill among the waves of the Aegean Sea. Dense thickets of firs, cedars, lindens, pines, olive trees come close to the very tops of the mountains. The island has many names. Moreover, along with the “island of the Sirens” Thassos is often called the “marble island”. Why exactly? The answer is quite simple: the local mountains are really made of excellent white marble, which is supplied to all corners of the world.

So, fans of silence, greenery and ancient culture, what kind of beaches does Thassos have? In the top are traditionally the beaches of Glyfada and Makriamos, around which numerous hotel complexes, restaurants, bars and other establishments are open. However, it is also worth paying attention to the Golden Sands zone between Potamia and Panagia.

They are known for their crystal clear waters, dense vegetation and gently sloping coastline. And coupled with the presence of Mount Ipsario, which is a natural protection from the winds, this area becomes the best for families with children. The beaches of Pevka, surrounded by pine forests, and the beach of Potos, which often become a place for camping, also have their own charm.

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Sithonia

If you are at least familiar with ancient Greek mythology, the myth about the beautiful Persephone, whom Hades managed to lure into his kingdom, did not leave you indifferent. And this dramatic story happened right here, among the picturesque bushes of Sithonia. This peninsula was named after the titan Seaton, who was the son of the god of the seas. Today, other gods rule here, but this somewhat mystical flair has been fully preserved. Why is Sithonia so attractive? Let's start with the fact that it is here that the only casino in Halkidiki is open. Are you not a fan of gambling? Well, fortunately, Sithonia is ready to surprise not only with nightly entertainment.

Local luxury hotels adorn the west coast from Neo Marmaras to Nikiti, a village known for its pine forests and beautiful beaches, in rich clusters. If you hear something about unusual chimneys or see bright roofs of rich scarlet hue that adorn old houses, most likely you are in Nikiti. It is also worth paying attention to the exotic beach of Vourvourou, as well as the bay of the same name. Holidays in Sithonia will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with the authentic Greek culture – there are numerous fishing villages that preserve the traditional way of life.

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Cassandra

The westernmost finger of Halkidiki is always crowded and noisy. Here you can find everything from traditional Greek taverns to fusion bars. Night lovers, couples and elderly people who want to improve their health come here. According to legend, Kassandra or “burning earth” became the birthplace of the first titan, who appeared from the union of earth and sky. Quite a lot of picturesque resorts with bright characters have gathered on the peninsula. So, Kallithea is the busiest part of Kassandra. The noise of voices does not subside here even at night.

Calm turquoise waters and miles of clean beaches await tourists. Nea Potidea offers a different picture – the romance of a small town that grew up on the ruins of a former Corinthian colony. Pefkohori has the reputation of being a real ecological paradise. It is located in the extreme south of the peninsula, which creates a unique microclimate. If you are a fan of traditional Greek cuisine, hospitable taverns, water sports and leisurely walks along the noisy embankments, you should definitely look into Chanioti.

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Athos

The third “finger” of Halkidiki with its notorious Mount Athos has been famous for centuries as a spiritual place. In fact, Athos has little to active tourist recreation. The peninsula is not full of hotels – only a few of them can be found in Ouranoupoli and Neo Roda. However, these settlements are located on the “periphery”, away from the monastic buildings. Women still do not have access to Athos, and men must obtain special permits to visit it.

Of course, the main asset of the peninsula are its monasteries. From an architectural point of view, the monastery of Simonopetra is of the greatest interest. Its construction dates back to the fourteenth century. It is noteworthy that the place of construction of the future monastery came to the monk Simon, in whose honor it was built, in a dream. And today, this majestic seven-story building, proudly standing on a sheer cliff, continues to delight the guests of the peninsula.

If you are lucky enough to be on Athos, pay attention to the fact that the time calculation here is somewhat different. Each monastery decides at what point the day begins or ends. So, many measure the beginning of the day from the moment the sun sets, others from its sunrise. Also prepare for the fact that you will not hear here the usual measures of length – meters or kilometers. On Athos, it is measured by the number of prayers that you manage to offer during the journey.

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Peloponnese

In general, the Peloponnese is less busy than other resorts in Greece. Why? It is located away from the main airports, and therefore the transfer here takes more time and is somewhat more expensive. At the same time, there are no huge hotel complexes here – rather scattered hotels, which are more reminiscent of resort villages. However, it is here that the main Greek hotel “chains” of the Grecotel type are concentrated. However, this does not affect the fact that the historical heritage presented here is more than extensive, the sea is calm, and the beaches are comfortable.

In addition, it is convenient to plan small excursions to other parts of Greece from here. The color of the Peloponnese cannot be confused with anything else. Its territory is relatively vast. The largest local resort – Loutraki – is distinguished by the absence of huge waves and clean beaches, which are mostly marked with Blue Flags. A nice bonus is the proximity to numerous mineral springs. If you want to immerse yourself in the era of Antiquity, choose Elia with confidence, where many unique historical monuments have been preserved.

Rest in the former Sparta, which today bears the name of Laconia, can come out as a contrast. The local beaches are rocky and in many ways seem completely wild. That is why the towns like Archangelos with their sandy beaches look even more charming. However, the only way to get here is by ferry.

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What to see in spring

Spring Greece is especially beautiful – whole seas of flowers, carpets swaying from gusts of wind, spread out with the first March warmth. In spring, it is best to pay attention to a variety of sightseeing tours. This time is the most optimal, since the real influx of tourists begins in the summer. And the sun is not yet at the zenith of its activity. In principle, by May the sea is already warm enough to open the swimming season, and by the middle of the month the water temperature becomes really comfortable for both adults and children to relax.

It is noteworthy that along with the period of rapid flowering, the nesting season also begins. Local travel agencies offer interesting programs in the north of Greece and the Peloponnese. You are guaranteed not to see such a variety of birds! Various campsites, bike tours or hiking trips are also popular. If you are a fan of horseback riding, be sure to visit Pelion, the birthplace of the centaurs. The local routes along the coast and through the hills are ideal for horseback riding.

No less exciting will be tours of the Greek gorges, overgrown with shrubs and lush flowers. Red Butterfly Gorges, Ha and Milon deserve special attention. No less myths and rumors surround the trips to the caves, some of which have extremely pretentious names. Let's say the cave of the Apocalypse. Greece is known not only for the sea, but also for its lakes. Among the most beautiful are Voulismeni, Kurna, Orestiada.

Include a tour of the amphitheaters in your itinerary. The amphitheaters of Athens and Larisa will make the greatest impression. The religious world of Greece is extremely diverse, and therefore the variety of temples of Antiquity, cathedrals, mosques and synagogues is provided. The local fortress architecture also has very ancient foundations. Turn your eyes to the ancient fortresses of Arsog, Chios, Gardiki, etc.

Entertainment

From the point of view of saturation of the rest, May is the perfect choice. Almost throughout the month, various festivals and celebrations take place throughout Greece. It all starts with the traditional May Day – the day of workers is celebrated with parades and festivities. Many cities celebrate the festival of flowers, which originates from the cult of Demeter. If you happen to be on holiday in Rhodes during this time, feel free to take part in the Medieval Festival.

Become a beautiful lady or a knight for one day – why not an adventure? If you want to feel the spirit of ancient customs, try to get to the neighborhood of Thessaloniki on May 21-23. At this time, Anastenaria is especially actively celebrated here. The key moment of the festival is dancing on burning coals. An excellent opportunity to save money on museum visits is May 18th. Greece joins World Museum Day by opening the doors of all antiquities repositories free of charge.

Vacation with children

The second half of May is the most optimal time for visiting Greek resorts with children. Please note that mainland Greece is more suitable for sightseeing holidays, while island Greece is more suitable for a beach holiday. When choosing a hotel, pay attention to the fact that a children's club is open for children. The presence of a children's menu is welcome, as the national Greek cuisine may be too heavy for small travelers. Pay attention also to the proximity of the resort or hotel to the airport. The Peloponnese is an excellent holiday destination, but the road here will be difficult for children.

So, if your destination is Crete, try not to miss the opportunity to visit Knossos, the ancient city, as well as the pink beach of Elafonisi. For families with small children, the town of Bali is especially relevant. It owns a very quiet bay with a gentle slope into the water, which guarantees ideal conditions for a family beach holiday. Pay attention to the following beaches: Livadi, Limani and Varkotopos. The city of Rethymno has the most convenient location, if we consider it as a kind of headquarters for the development of Greece.

From here you can quickly and comfortably get to any corner of the country. However, the town itself is an attraction. Especially the Old City. Chania is distinguished by a very convenient beach, as well as the presence of Little Venice, the famous port, which will be very interesting for children to watch. In the top of the local beaches is Kissamos, which guarantees the absence of waves and the picturesque nature. If your children are fans of active games, bet on Hersonissos without any hesitation. Here is not only the best water park in Greece, but also several theme parks like the Dinosaur Park. A visit to the Aquarium will also not leave you indifferent.

Tour prices

May is not much different from other months in terms of booking tours. If you want to reserve the right to choose, it is better to start choosing a tour as early as possible. This is especially true when the focus of the trip is the May holidays. Of course, you can try to grab a hot tour, but this approach does not guarantee that the price will drop sharply and you will be able to save.

Below is a table that will help to more clearly demonstrate the ratio of prices for tours. Please note that prices are current at the time of publication of the article. The price includes the following parameters: accommodation, flight, transfer, insurance, meals (breakfast). Prices are based on two. Visa is paid separately.

Hotel prices

May is considered the beginning of the holiday season, so, as in the case of booking tours, it is worth choosing a hotel in advance, or you risk losing a place in a good hotel. Local pricing policy is quite flexible. It depends on many factors, for example, on the distance from the sea (1st line, 2nd line, 3rd line), on the class of the hotel, on the type of room (lux / deluxe / standard / bungalow / villa), on type of food (all inclusive / ultra all inclusive / breakfasts / breakfasts + dinners).

Excursions

The sights of Greece are very diverse, and therefore the abundance of excursions may well be confusing. To get more detailed information, read reviews of tourists and book visiting programs, you can use Internet services. We recommend Tripster. The quality of the latter's work has been tested over the years and by thousands of tourists who boldly leave their “travel notes / remarks” here. Here you can find current offers for almost any resort.

View prices for excursions in Crete
View prices for excursions in Rhodes
View prices for excursions in Thessaloniki
View prices for excursions in Corfu

Food prices

Greek cuisine is considered one of the richest in the world tradition, as it reflects all the passion and indomitable energy of the Greeks. Thick yogurt with cucumbers? Homemade sausages with vegetables? Pies with feta cheese and spinach? Some flavor combinations may seem unusual, but it's worth it. Keep in mind that if you plan to eat out in restaurants, your wallet can lose quite a lot of weight. Assume that one dish in a more or less budget restaurant costs 8-15 euros. That is, if we talk about a dinner for two (three courses + a drink) in a moderately priced restaurant, you should be ready to shell out from 25 to 40 euros.

And dinner will cost another couple of tens of euros more. Remember: if you want to try authentic cuisine, but do not leave your tourist budget at the checkout, focus on those cafes and restaurants, all the tables of which are occupied by local residents. Alternatively, you can visit Greek taverns that specialize in meat or seafood dishes. Lunch in the first for one person will cost about 8 euros, and in the second – 15 euros.

If you are not one of those who like to look for new locations, you can choose a simpler, but with this economical option – choose a ticket that includes breakfast and dinner, or even all meals. And if you want something exotic, you can always take a walk to the nearest embankment.

Reviews of tourists

As a rule, tourists speak positively about the ratio of the quality of the rest and the asking price for it. For many, a trip to Greece is akin to immersion in childhood, because each of us once grew up from ancient Greek myths and color photographs of amphitheatres from history books. Local cuisine is also to the taste of most tourists. However, not everyone likes the fact that the local beaches are not entirely sandy. However, this is offset by their unchanging purity.

Conclusion

Greece is a stunning country that can be visited almost all year round. May, despite the fact that the air temperature in some regions does not seem warm enough, can be an excellent opportunity to discover a new country at lower prices, and at the same time not get lost in the thick of tourists that will overwhelm local resorts with the onset of summer.