May in Greece is the absence of sweltering heat, a pleasant calm bustle of resort coasts, an abundance of colors of blossoming plants.
This is a great place for lovers of excursions to historical sights, especially in May, since there are not so many tourists at this time, and the air does not heat up as much as in the summer months. Important is the fact that tours to Greece in May are much cheaper than at the height of the summer vacation season.
May in Greece
This month's vacation is good with full-fledged excursion programs, sunbathing, relaxation on sun loungers under the warm gentle sun, treatment of a wide variety of chronic ailments in the magnificent health resorts of Greece.
The weather in May is comfortable enough to relax. The average air temperature is +25 degrees in the continental part and about +23 - in the island. Water in these zones warms up to +19 and +22 degrees, respectively. It can be concluded that bathing in the Aegean and Ionian seas at this time is relatively refreshing.
Rest in the last spring month has all the prerequisites for an excellent mental mood, and for cultural enrichment. Below in the article are presented some features of May holidays in Greece, reviews, weather.
Nature of greece
Despite the presence of an impressive heterogeneity of climatic zones, it can be stated with confidence that the month of May is one of the most wonderful corners for spending holidays on Greek soil. At this time, nature is revealed in all its splendor inherent in the Mediterranean. She truly is fragrant.
Such a variety of aromas and shades, carried by every breath of light breeze, cannot be found at any other time of the year. This is an incredibly pleasant period when flowers of various shapes and colors bloom everywhere. Around stretch the lush meadow grass with a young gloss of leaves. Wonderful waterfalls and mountain crystal streams with clear water, relict emerald forests, magnificent protected areas - all this is Greece, and all this is accessible to travelers from different countries. And clear weather is not a debilitating heat, making various environmental trips very easy.
Resorts
Holidays in Greece in May remain in the memory for a long time. All resort areas of this country are divided into 3 groups:
- Resorts located on the mainland (Athens, Thessaloniki, Kastoria, Pieria and Volos), are particularly popular with tourists who prefer an active and informative vacation.
- Resorts of the island part of the country (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Zakynthos and Santorini), suitable for lovers of exotic beach holidays.
- Resorts on the peninsulas (Peloponnese and Halkidiki), allowing you to have a great time on the wonderful beaches, as well as touch the antiquity.
Greece offers resorts for every taste and the most diverse financial wealth. Tourists of any age can find for themselves a corner in Greece for a full and unforgettable vacation.
Crete
This is the largest resort of the island of Greece, which is the southernmost in Europe. It is washed by the waters of three seas: Libyan, Aegean and Ionian.
Pleases rest on this island with picturesque landscapes, numerous bays, magnificent fabulous bays and fascinating informative excursions. The duration of rest here is also long: May-October. Crete is known all over the world for its magnificent resorts: Hersonissos (suitable mainly for young people), Elounda, Agios Nicolaos, Rethymnon and Chania (romantic and ideal place for couples in love).
Crete is a paradise for water sports. The best conditions for beginners are created here - the presence of a huge number of training schools.
May Vacation Features
Holidays in Greece in May have some features. Despite the not very comfortable temperature of sea water (the beach season is not yet fully open), a wonderful tan here is quite possible to get. Holidays in Greece in May - cloudless sunny days that contribute to a beautiful safe tan.
Especially good conditions for sunbathing in May are on the island of Crete and the islands of the Aegean Sea. Athens and the continental part of the country at this time can be accompanied by five cloudy days.
It should be noted and the temperature difference between day and night. It is about 10 degrees. Therefore, on vacation you need, in addition to summer clothes (swimwear, shorts and T-shirts), it is imperative to take some warm clothes (a sweater or a light windbreaker, as well as jeans).
About beach vacation
According to tourists' reviews, a vacation in Greece in May is good for those who like to soak up the southern warm sun. Sunbathing and relaxation on comfortable sun loungers are the main occupation of vacationers. As for the sea baths, they are not to everyone's liking.
It should be noted that the temperature is not the same in different resorts. The highest marks are in the waters of the island of Crete (about +20 ° C). To open an earlier bathing season, you can go to Rhodes, where the water temperature off the coast is about +19 ° C.
You can visit the Greek Caribbean. This is a fairly compact islet of Elafonisos, which is located in the southeast direction from the Peloponnese. The water there warms up faster by May due to the shallow bottom of the sea off the coast. In general, the joys of the May beach character are more limited to sunbathing.
sights
Beach holidays in May in Greece are not particularly popular due to weather conditions. But to explore the magnificent sights, this is the most wonderful time. Greece's springtime is amazing. Nature here miraculously comes to life after a winter holiday, and everything around becomes bright and colorful.
The main leisure in the month of May is exciting cruises on islands of amazing beauty. Sea voyages are full of interesting program. Many of them are quite successfully combined with land excursions and fishing. In addition to stunning landscapes, here you can get acquainted with ancient legends and centuries-old artifacts.
Mount Olympus, covered with numerous legends, and the castle of the Knights of St. John on Rhodes, the Knossos Palace with the labyrinth of the Minotaur and the legendary Acropolis in Athens, the amphitheater in Epidaurus and other historical heritage of the country - all this is included in numerous excursion programs.
Holidays in Greece in May in the context of exclusively sightseeing travel is a very good option. Familiarity with the diverse architectural, religious and natural sights of Athens, Thessaloniki, Kastoria, Pieria, Halkidiki, Volos and Peloponnese - all this will be interesting for curious travelers. Particularly exciting is a visit to Lake Plastira, the monasteries of Meteora, the Athenian Acropolis, the ancient cities of Delphi and Mystra, etc.
Holidays
This month in Greece begins with May Day - the workers' day, which takes place in the country cheerfully and noisily: lush parades and solemn demonstrations. On them the Greeks pour out all their emotions accumulated during the year. The first days of the month are also significant for festivals of flowers that are romantic in nature. Fans of ancient customs can visit Anastenaria (fire festival). The main feature in it is a ritual dance performed on hot coals. This event takes place in one of the villages of the northern regions of the state (Melique Verriase or Langadas).
May 9 is Europe Day. On this day, philharmonic orchestras and amateur groups perform in many cities. Extensive programs for this day are being prepared in Kerkyra and Athens.
May 18 is the International Museum Day, which is combined with the popular in Europe action - “Museum Night”. On Crete, May 20 is marked by the tragic events of World War II. In these places, almost 80 years ago, a battle took place with the Germans, which ended in the occupation of the island. In memory of the dead soldiers that day, many families light candles. In the last decade, Rhodes hosts the Medieval Festival, which is usually combined with a flower parade. In Patras, a grand rally is held, attracting riders from all over Europe.
Family holiday
Holidays in Greece in May with children are the best option to visit this country at this time of year. The weather is quite favorable: it’s not very hot yet, but the damp and cold are already retreating.
Greece is a leader in the number of historical monuments and palaces, shrines, ancient ruins, museums and fortresses with ancient treasures. All this is useful to see for both adults and children. Greece is an exotic nature with fruit and olive groves, as well as delicious local cuisine. All this may appeal to young travelers.
The organization of family vacations in Greece in the month of May is a real gift. This is an unforgettable experience and a great opportunity to enjoy not only the warm and gentle sun, but also events dedicated to local holidays. It should be noted that prices are relatively low, especially after the May holidays, closer to the end of the month.
Reviews
Despite the weather established for a full beach holiday, a vacation in Greece in May, according to the reviews of happy tourists, is ideal at this time. The climate is quite light and pleasant. This time is the beginning of the awakening of nature, pleasing with a riot of colors and freshness.
It is quite possible in May (especially at the end of the month) and active water procedures, especially for the most seasoned and courageous. The most important thing is favorable prices and a relaxed atmosphere.
Recommendations for tourists
- It should be stocked not only with summer things, but also with some warm wardrobe items for evening walks or for excursions to the highlands.
- Sunscreen is needed.
- You can attend May events dedicated to national holidays.
Conclusion
Especially good, judging by the reviews, rest in Greece at the end of May. Climatic conditions during this period are closest to the conditions of the height of the beach season.
Mainland Greece allows vacationers to take advantage of the recovery from chronic ailments in the resorts of Loutraki and Halkidiki. Indispensable components of holidays on Greek soil are unlimited shopping trips and getting an excellent gastronomic experience in national taverns.
It can be concluded that, visiting Greece in May, you can get a chance that the vacation spent in this country was one of the best and unforgettable in life. Relatively mild weather, lush greenery of nature and the lack of crowds of people - the most comfortable conditions. However, spending all the time in May on the beach (alternating swimming with sunbathing) is not yet realistic.