Greece in May

May is perhaps the most beautiful month to travel in Greece. The air is warm, the last wildflowers still colour the paths, and the sea begins to beckon for a swim. On the islands, bougainvillea bursts pink and purple against white walls. It is a month of perfect balance: warm enough to savour a terrace overlooking the sea, cool enough to stroll without haste. Discover our walking holidays and cycling escapes in this still-peaceful Greece.

Behind this trip, our experts

2 trips available

Crete: White Mountains and azure sea
Self-guided Hiking lodge to lodge
From $833
5 · 2 reviews
8 days
●●
Comfort
Departures possible right now
The Peloponnese at your own pace: ancient sites and turquoise coves
Self-guided Hiking multi-base
From $974
10 days
●
Comfort
Departures possible right now

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Giovanna Crippa

Product Manager Europe

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Why visit Greece in May?

With temperatures between 20 and 26 degrees, May offers ideal conditions for discovery on foot or by bicycle. The sea reaches around 19 degrees, warm enough for the first dips, especially along the southern coasts of Crete or the Peloponnese. The sun shines generously without the intensity of summer, and daylight stretches beyond 14 hours.

It is also the end of the wildflower season: the fields of Crete and the Cyclades offer their last carpets of daisies and rock roses. The markets overflow with fresh broad beans, artichokes and spring cheeses. Ferries run regularly, yet the islands still keep their serenity, the summer crowds far away.

Our suggestions for May

Sifnos, in the Cyclades, is enchanting in May. Famed for its culinary tradition and pottery workshops, the island is criss-crossed by stone-paved paths linking villages to monasteries. Every pause comes with a vista over the Aegean.

The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) are at their greenest. Centuries-old olive trees, cypresses and secret beaches compose a setting reminiscent of nearby Italy. Explore the Ionian Islands for an immersion in nature and Venetian heritage.

In Crete, the gorges are now open and the southern coastal paths offer an alternation of turquoise coves and villages where time seems to stand still. Naxos unfolds its fertile valleys, Venetian towers and long, tranquil beaches.

Discover the other months

April: The first warmth, the islands still secret
May: The ideal month, between flowers and gentle days
June: The gentle entry into summer, still peaceful
July: Luminous days, evenings on the terrace
September: Golden light, sea still warm
October: The last gentle days, intimacy rediscovered

Seasons

Spring: April to June
Summer: June and July
Autumn: September and October
Winter: Plan your next trip

2 reviews

Bernadette 7/3/26 • Walking holiday in Crete, White Mountains and azure sea in 8 days - Kelifos

— We are very happy with the itinerary and with the hike itself, which crosses magnificent landscapes and offers various options to take shortcuts by boat at certain points. The hotels chosen are good and comfortable, except the one in Omalos, which is now dated and not very well maintained (we had stayed there in 2013 and nothing has changed). Everywhere the reception and service staff were friendly, warm, efficient, and full of good advice.

Pierre 7/3/26 • Walking holiday in Crete, White Mountains and azure sea in 8 days - Kelifos

— Beautiful nature trek with good hotels, charming hosts, magnificent scenery. But too many people at Samaria and a bit of a struggle to set off early (breakfast served at 8 a.m.) when it's very hot.