Most travelers associate Greece with summer, and rightfully so. Greek summer is iconic. It’s been celebrated in the movies, in magazines and on social media. But if you want to be surprised by the sheer beauty of Greece, you should visit in spring. It may well be the best time to come, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more.
Welcome to “All About Greece”, part of “TO BHMA International Edition Travels Greece With You” series. Here we answer your questions and introduce you to this wonderful country we call home and you call vacation!
I can’t say this enough: there is so much more to Greece than its incredible summers. Spring is definitely right up there with fewer crowds and cooler temps.
Springtime in Greece
One of the monasteries at Meteora, Central Greece, in the spring.
First of all, springtime in Greece means perfect weather to do lots of walking, sightseeing and, yes, for the daring amongst you, swimming without the extreme summer heat.
It’s also the best way to steer clear of peak-season tourist crowds, particularly in popular places like Santorini, Mykonos, and in Athens. This means you’ll have more space to explore iconic sites, like the Acropolis, wander through Little Venice, or get lost in Santorini’s romantic alleyways.
Another advantage? Travel costs. Compared to summer, flights and accommodation tend to be cheaper in the spring and the service at restaurants, bars and cafes more relaxed, much faster and attentive.
For me, the best part of visiting in spring, is seeing Greece as you’ve never imagined before: lush and vibrant. The countryside and the Greek islands are brimming with color and wildflowers, so different to the barren and sun-scorched landscapes of summer.
What Can You Do in Spring?
Activities like hiking or visiting ancient sites are much more comfortable in the cool of spring with fewer crowds.
You’ve probably got more to do and see in Greece in spring than in summer. Let’s start with the most important Greek celebration of the year: Greek Orthodox Easter. Greek Easter usually follows Catholic Easter and is a unique cultural experience that should not be missed. Easter in Greece offers a week packed with rituals and traditions that lead up to Easter Sunday with a massive feast. All the customs welcome spring.
May Day is another highlight. We go out, pick flowers, make beautiful wreaths, and have picnics.
We celebrate Greek Independence Day on March 25th in the heart of spring with parades and traditional dishes across the country.
There are festivals for all tastes in the spring in Greece.
Spring is also the ideal time to visit places like Delphi, Meteora, Mt Pelion, Crete and Mani, where summer makes it too hot to do many things like hiking or exploring nature or visiting popular ancient sites like Knossos.
Spring is also the best time to explore cities like Athens, with its buzzing outdoor cafes, ancient sites and attractions and excellent museums, or Thessaloniki with its seaside promenade and exciting cultural scene.
And lastly, the spring calendar is full of festivals for all tastes: the Athens Craft Beer Festival, the Comicdom Festival, the Megaron Mousikis Spring Festival, the Athens Jazz Festival, Athens Music Week, the Women of the World (WOW) Festival and dozens of street food events.
What You Should Know
A bit of Greek Easter excitement on the island of Chios.
Spring is when the tourist season in Greece officially opens. So that means that hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, cafes and all sorts of tourist services are opening and getting ready for summer. That said, early-season travel requires a bit of planning, especially when it comes to ferry schedules, which may still be limited, particularly for more remote islands.
One of the main concerns travelers have when thinking of a trip to Greece in the spring is whether they can swim. In all honesty, yes swimming in March and April may be a bit too cold for most people but the waters in May are pleasant, especially the further south you go, like to Crete, Rhodes, or Karpathos. For those who prefer warmer waters, many hotels offer heated pools, ensuring you can still enjoy a swim regardless of the season.
So, should you visit Greece in spring? Absolutely. It’s not just an alternative to summer, it’s a whole different experience.
*Send your questions to Maria Paravantes at mparavantes@tovima.com
