greece places to visit in may

What to Do in Greece in May: Sites and Activities for 2024

If you are wondering what is like in Greece in May, the answer is that it is the perfect time to be in Greece! May is the best month (along with September ) to visit mainland Greece and the Greek islands and have a wonderful vacation.

The fields and the valleys are still green and fully blossomed wherever you go to the country, making the outdoor activities magical. For 2024, Greek Orthodox Easter will be May 5th so this will be a fantastic opportunity to experience up close the tradition and the Easter celebrations.

The weather in Greece in May is almost summerish, sunny, and warm with little rain and the seawater is warm enough for swimming (especially towards the end of May).

Other great reasons to visit Greece in May are the shoulder season hotel bargains and the lack of huge crowds in the sites, as it happens in July and August. So, all that adds up to perhaps the most perfect month of the year!

The Top Things to Do in Greece in May are:

• Explore Athens
• Go to Popular Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes
• Delve into Unique Pelion Mt Villages
• Marvel at a 3-Day Trip to Delphi and Meteora
• Visit Peloponnese’s Archaeological Sites
• Discover Mamma Mia’s Film Destinations

*Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. The commission comes at no additional cost to you.

Best Things to Do in Greece in May!

1. visit athens, the ancient capital of greece.

Athens is a large, modern metropolis, adorned with famous monuments such as the UNESCO Acropolis Citadel and with thousands of history behind it.

Strolling Athens streets is a wonderful experience as you come across relics of the civilizations and religions that have passed through the city during the centuries. The most prominent ancient Greek sites go back to the Mycenean era, all the way to the Classical, and Hellenistic times, a little before the invasion of the Romans.

Athens’ picturesque areas like Plaka, house beautiful monuments from Empires such as the Roman, the Byzantine , the Ottoman , and everything in between.

May is a perfect month to visit Athens’ numerous sites and museums, in a much less crowded fashion, and also to hit the nearby beaches! You can see the Athens Monuments in two days and organize day trips to nearby Saronic islands or sites.

Related Posts for Athens in May:

• Acropolis of Athens FAQ
• Athens Riviera Greece
• Sounion Cape and the Temple of Poseidon
• Marathon Town and Lake
• Full-Day Tour of Athens and Cape Sounion

2. Go to Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes

May is the best time to go to the super-popular Greek Islands for several reasons:

• The sea will be warm enough to swim, especially in Rhodes which can be hot during the summer
• There will be no huge crowds to watch the mesmerizing sunset in Santorini and can find tables much easier in the best Santorini diners
• Most businesses will be open and running and will be offering Santorini Catamaran tours or Mykonos Guided City Walking Tour with Photoshoot

• You can drink a cocktail at Little Venice in Mykonos without breaking the bank or book in advance your seat
• The hotels in the islands have still shoulder season prices

• If you visit Paros and the other Cycladic Islands in early May, they will be covered in wildflowers, and herbs like wild oregano, and thyme, and they will be at their greenest
• The ferries from Athens in May run frequently between the islands check FerryScanner for rates and timetables

3. Explore Pelion Mt Unique Villages

Greece in May is especially beautiful in the countryside and in particular on Pelion Mt. or the Mountain of the Centaurus. Pelion is a deeply forested and fertile peninsula 336 km from Athens (3 hours and 45 minutes) and 219 km from Thessaloniki.

Pelion has 28 traditional, and picturesque villages and some of them are by the sea with amazing sandy beaches. Pelion villages are very popular for visitors who wish to experience authentic Greece and visit centuries-old monasteries, folklore museums, and old libraries.

Some of the best things to do in Pelion in May are to swim in the warm waters of the Pagasetic Gulf, take a cooking class , sea Kayaking , or e-bike tour of South Pelion .

Read more about some of the Pelion Villages of Portaria , Makr i nitsa , Zagora , and Milies .

4. Enjoy a 3-Day Trip to Delphi and Meteora

Greece is a mountainous country so some sites are much more difficult to get to them than others especially if you are visiting during the heat of the Greek summer. Two great examples are the steep uphills of Delphi and the endless steps to get to some of the Meteora Monasteries .

Delphi and Meteora are best visited in May and on a 3-day trip, spending a night in Delphi and one night in Meteora. A draft of the itinerary can be:

Day 1: Athens – Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese – Galaxidi seaside town, 30 km away from Delphi. Spend your evening in the beautiful Galaxidi and stay at the best Boutique Hotel in town with the most delicious handmade marmalades: Ganimede Hotel, Galaxidi .

Day 2: Visit the Delphi Archaeological Site, stroll Arachova town, go to UNESCO Osios Loukas Monastery, drive to Meteora, and stay overnight in Kalambaka town. The best Hotel to stay at in Kalambaka is Archontiko Mesohori Suites & Apartments .

Day 3: Visit Meteora Monasteries.

Hassle-free 3-day tour to Delphi and Meteora organized by Get Your Guide Operators

5. Discover Peloponnese’s Archaeological Sites

If you love the combination of history and stunning landscapes, then you should visit the Peloponnese in May, where everything is still blossoming. Peloponnese houses some spectacular Archaeological sites which are wonderfully located near beautiful towns and lovely seaside villages.

The most important archaeological sites in the Peloponnese, separated into the regions they belong to are:

• Corinth : Ancient Corinth , Ancient Isthmia , Iraion Perachora Loutraki
• Argolida : UNESCO Mycenae , UNESCO Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus , Ancient Argos , UNESCO Tiryns , Ancient Nemea , Acropolis of Kazarma, Ancient Assini
• Lakonia : UNESCO Mystras, Monemvasia Castle, Ancient Sparta
• Achaia : Patras Roman Odeon and Stadium
• Messinia : Ancient Messene, Nestor’s Palace
• Arkadia : The Lykosoura Site
• Ilia : UNESCO Ancient Olympia, UNESCO Temple of Epicurius Apollo at Bassae , Ancient Ilida

The best way to visit the sites is by renting a car and driving to the areas.

6. Explore Mamma Mia’s Destinations

This is probably the most fun adventure you can indulge yourself in while visiting Greece in May! The popular film ‘Mamma Mia’ was filmed on the islands of Skopelos and Skiathos in the Sporades group and Damouchari village in eastern Pelion.

The main shooting of the film took place in Skopelos: the wedding chapel is Agios Ioannis in Kastri, and the beach is in Kastani.

Mamma Mia in Skiathos was filmed in the old port next to the picturesque Bourtzi (the scene with the boat at the beginning of the film). The third location is in Pelion , in Damouchari’s tiny port village and this is where Meryl Streep dives from the platform, while all the ladies sing with her the ‘Dancing Queen’ while walking down the steps.

To visit the Sporades islands you need to go to Volos port and from there take the ferries to Skopelos or Skiathos. Book your ferry transfer with FerryScanner .

Read here How Best to Tour Mamma Mia’s Locations in Greece

Events to Participate in May

• Athens Street Food Festival , with recipes from Greece and all over the world.
• Every May at Skiathos the popular match race sailing of the Skiathos Palace Cup takes place.

What to Wear in Greece in May

May’s highest temperatures vary between 22.8 and 30.2 C and the lowest between 11 and 18 C. For this kind of weather, you need to pack a smart combination of summer (t-shirts and shorts) and warmer clothes for cooler nights or a sudden change of weather.

I would suggest a smart bikini bottom that you can combine with different tops for the beach. Another essential item is the Spyder Women’s Encore Fleece Jacket (amazon), warm, classy, and convenient for any outdoor activity or the chillier nights in Greece.

Read my Detailed Packing List for Greece here

Plan My Trip to Greece

Do you need a custom travel itinerary or a transfer within Greece ? Are you traveling solo, with your family or friends and need a tailor-made multi-day tour or a transfer?

If yes, please visit my dedicated Plan My Trip Page for a free itinerary!

Top Things to Do in Greece in May:

• Go to popular Islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes
• Delve into unique Pelion Mt villages
• Marvel at a 3-Day trip to Delphi and Meteora
• Visit Peloponnese’s archaeological sites
• Discover Mama Mia’s Film Destinations

Where is your dream destination in Greece?

I’d love to hear about where you’re spending your vacation this year, and if you have any exciting travel plans! There are so many things to do in Greece in May, especially if this is your first time in the country. I hope that you get the chance to try as many as possible. Till next time, Evgenia❤️

All rights reserved © Travel the Greek Way. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (photographs, text, links) is strictly prohibited.

Travel Guides for Greece

• Greece Packing List – What to pack for a 10-day trip to Greece
• First Time to Greece – Most Important FAQ
• Athens Hotels Near Acropolis
• Athens Apartments Near Acropolis
• Best Athens Beach Hotels

Essential Travel Info for Greece

• ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
• Booking.com : I use Booking.com because I can get the best deals on hotels and apartments, free cancellations, and great prices!
• All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece
• FerryScanner to book f erries to the Greek Islands
• Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
• Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
• Map of Athens Metro
• Trains (Hellenic Train)
• Public Buses KTEL
• Get Your Guide : For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
• Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100 – EMERGENCY NUMBER 112

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Best Greek Islands In May (And Why Mykonos Isn’t Listed)

Which Greek islands are the best to visit in May? Here, we look at what's good, what's not, and give you some inside tips.

Traveling to Greece in May

May can be a good month to visit Greece, as there aren't so many tourists and the weather is just starting to warm up. There are a few caveats which you should probably be aware of though.

In this guide, I want to line up your expectations with a little reality so you can pick which Greek island to visit in May!

Greek Islands May Weather

Let's start by talking about what weather you can expect in May. Currently, I am writing this guide in Rhodes , one of the most southerly islands in Greece. Theoretically speaking, if anywhere in Greece has good weather in May it should be Rhodes!

And, it's partially true. The sky is clear blue outside, the sun is shining, and it's a lot warmer than the rest of Northern Europe.

It isn't perfect though. Right now, we have very strong winds meaning that even with the sun shining it can be a little chilly. And for me personally, it's too cold to swim in the sea!

The last couple of days were overcast, and while there was very little rain, we did get some. Right at the beginning of the month, we had great weather for a kayaking trip along the Rhodes coast.

What does all this mean?

Bottom line: While you might get sunny weather, you can't entirely plan for a beach holiday on the Greek islands in May. It's simply not reliable enough. This means that when it comes to choosing a Greek island in May, you'll want to think about other activities you can do when the beautiful beaches are not so appealing to be on.

Related: Best time to visit Greece

Hottest Greek islands To Go In May

The southern Dodecanese islands and Crete are likely to have the warmest weather if you're planning island hopping in May. The Cyclades islands and Ionian islands are likely still a little fresh for sea swimming, but will have pleasant enough weather all the same.

Are the Greek islands still closed in May?

Many people don't realise that the tourism industry all but closes down on the islands in the winter months. While the main tourist hubs might have some establishments open, the smaller villages are often closed until May.

As a result, May is a crossover month. Some places will be open (such as tavernas, hotels, shops etc), but others will be getting themselves ready by adding new paint, stocking up etc.

Bottom line: The Greek islands are not really a year round destination. You shouldn't expect everywhere to be open on the islands in May. Some tourist resorts which are party central in August may be ghost towns at the start of May!

Why May isn't a great time to go to Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek islands to visit. Images of beach parties and crazy nightlife have sold the island in the minds of many as a premier destination.

This means that people might be tempted to go to Mykonos in May. It kind of makes sense, I mean it's shoulder season, there's far fewer tourists, and of course it's cheaper!

The thing is though, very few nightclubs will be open, the beaches and sea might be too chilly to enjoy comfortably, and there's not a lot going on.

In my opinion, May can be a great time to experience Mykonos before the crowds arrive, especially if you want to go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos island .

Exploring the narrow streets of Mykonos Town is certainly more enjoyable without the summer crowds! If you want lively parties and beach life though, you won't really find it in May and you'll probably be disappointed.

What are the best Greek islands to visit in May?

Hopefully, I've explained well enough that you can't really expect reliable beach weather in May, and that party destinations such as Mykonos and Ios won't have many parties!

So, it's best to look at islands that have more to offer than just beaches and bars. Fortunately, Greece has dozens of them! Here's my choices of which Greek islands offer a good mix that makes them a good holiday destination in May.

After saying that Mykonos is not such a great island to visit in May, you might be surprised to see I've listed another Cycladic island to travel to in May instead.

The reason, is that Santorini and Mykonos are two very different islands . For example, no one really visits Santorini for the beaches , as they aren't that great when compared to those of other Greek islands. No one is really going to Santorini for the party scene either.

Instead, people who visit Santorini are doing so to experience the incredible Caldera views, the amazing sunsets, the fascinating history and to walk around Oia.

I also highly recommend the hike from Fira to Oia . All this can be done in May, and with fewer other visitors that the peak season months, it's a lot more enjoyable.

Of course, the weather in Santorini in May isn't as good as the summer months, and you can expect much cooler evenings (needing a light jacket!) than you might realize.

The main benefits though, are the cheaper prices, less crowds, no queues for and more availability of hotel rooms at sensible prices.

Rhodes in the Dodecanese is one of the best Greek islands to visit in May. It's a big island with lots to see and do, meaning if the weather is poor when you go, you'll always be able to find some activity to do to fill your days.

Rhodes Old Town is a great place to walk around, with plenty of medieval architecture and history to explore. The Palace of the Grand Master is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, and definitely worth visiting!

The beaches around Rhodes are some of the best in Greece too, so if the forecast is good, you'll be able to get tanned early on in the year. Try Anthony Quinn Bay for some relaxing swim if the water is warm enough in May.

Too cold to swim? Why not try a kayaking tour in Rhodes instead. It was great fun!

Rhodes is one of the most popular destinations in the Dodecanese islands of Greece. If you're visiting in May, I'd suggest locating yourself in Rhodes town, as you'll be able to explore the medieval castle, and have easy access to other parts of the island using public transport or car hire.

Related: Best towns to visit in Greece

The largest island in Greece never closes down, and there is always something to do in May! Take you pick from archaeological sites, hiking trails, fishing villages, and mountain villages when you go to Crete .

Crete also has some of the best beaches in Greece, with the added bonus they are generally warmer than other parts of the country at that time of year. The average temperature in Crete in May is a balmy 23 degrees Celsius!

Crete also has a bustling nightlife, so if you're looking for some late-night fun in May, this island can provide. You'll find something almost all night long too if you're staying in Heraklion ! One note though – the Malia /Stalis area is likely to be very sleepy has it might not have opened yet.

Overall, Crete provides a great mix of things to do that are suitable for pretty much any traveler, whether it's their first trip to Greece or their fiftieth!

The Ionian islands are typically colder and a little rainier than other island groups, but you shouldn't discount Corfu in May. It's a beautiful island that has plenty to offer visitors, and the weather is often good enough to enjoy the beaches too.

Corfu town is a great place to walk around, with its Venetian architecture and lively cafes and bars. If you want to explore further afield, there are regular buses that run along the coast to other towns and villages.

Corfu is a great destination for those looking for an island with plenty to see and do. If you head here in May, I'd recommend renting a car so that you can explore the island at your leisure.

Hydra is a popular day trip destination from Athens, but you could consider staying here a little longer! The island is car-free, meaning you can walk anywhere on the island without worrying about traffic.

The atmosphere here is relaxed with a laid back vibe, and you really feel like you're getting away from it all when you visit Hydra.

In May, the beaches are quiet and a good place to relax. There are also some great hiking trails and places to explore too, so if the weather turns bad there's still plenty to do on this beautiful island!

You might not hear much about the island of Andros in Greece – but you can fill in the information gap by checking out our travel guide to Andros now available on Amazon !

Andros is a beautiful island located in the Cyclades, and it's a great place to visit in May. The weather is usually good at this time of year, so you can enjoy the beaches and the outdoors.

There are plenty of things to see and do on Andros , from exploring the medieval Venetian castle to visiting the beautiful villages dotted around the island. There's also some great hiking and cycling trails to enjoy if you want to get out in nature a little.

Overall, Andros is an undiscovered hidden gem of Greece that should be on your list for this May! Give it a try and I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Islands of Greece in May FAQ

Readers looking to choose the best Greek island to visit outside of the summer months often ask questions similar to:

What is the best Greek island to visit in May?

Each of the islands listed have their own unique charms that make them perfect for a visitor in May. If you're looking for an island with plenty to do and see, I'd recommend Crete. If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Hydra or Andros might be a better choice.

Is May a good time to visit the Greek islands?

The weather can be variable during the month of May, so it's best to visit an island with a lot of variety such as ancient sites and quaint villages for days the beach doesn't work out.

Where is warmest in Greece in May?

The warmest place in Greece in May is usually the island of Crete. However, the weather can be variable during this month, so it's best to check the forecast before you travel.

Is Greece warm in May?

Yes, Greece is warm in May, but the weather may not be as constantly hot or cloud free when compared to other times of year.

Which Greek island has the best sandy beaches?

The best Greek islands for sandy beaches include Mykonos, Ios, Naxos, and Milos.

May is a great time to visit Greece because you can enjoy the beaches on days with warmer temperatures and nature lovers will find it's a good time to explore the outdoors. Lower prices and smaller crowds also make May a good time to visit the Greek islands.

Just keep in mind that the weather can be a little unpredictable in May – don't book a holiday in May to the Greek islands based on the assumption that every taverna and hotel will be open, and you'll be lazing on beaches in sweltering heat. While it will be comfortably warm, it's up to the Greek Gods what weather you'll experience!

Have you visited any of these islands in May? Or do you have any recommendations for other great places to visit in Greece during this month? Let us know in the comments below!

• Cheapest Greek islands
• Hottest Greek Islands In April

2 thoughts on “Best Greek Islands In May (And Why Mykonos Isn’t Listed)”

Dae, We really enjoy your blog. As LONG time Greek visitors, 25 plus years, we have traveled to almost all the ‘suggested’ places. last summer while doing nothing but driving around, getting lost, we stumbled upon ancient Nemea and the old Olympic site. Very surprised to find out that they have resurrected the Nemea games. If I was not 83 years old, I would be in them this June 28! Still might.

Nemea is fantastic, isn’t it! Nothing quite beats following one of those brown antiquities road signs and discovering a whole new ancient city or site one hadn’t heard of!

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Greek Island

Reveales: the Hottest Greek Islands to Visit in May

posted by Nikos Tsakiris on July 9, 2023 // last updated on July 14, 2023

May is a great time to visit Greece, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. If you’re wondering which Greek islands to visit in May, you’re in luck. There are several islands that offer warm weather and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

According to Greece Travel Secrets, the eight warmest Greek islands to visit in May are Crete, Rhodes, Karpathos, Kos, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros. Each of these islands has its own unique charm and attractions, from the history and mythology of Crete to the nightlife of Mykonos. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s an island that’s perfect for you.

Best Greek Islands to Visit in May

May is a great month to visit Greece, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Here are three of the best Greek islands to visit in May:

Santorini is famous for its stunning caldera views, white-washed buildings, and romantic sunsets. In May, the island is less crowded, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. Some of the top things to do in Santorini in May include:

• Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site to see the ancient Minoan city
• Take a sunset cruise around the caldera
• Explore the island’s wineries and taste the local wines
• Relax on the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari

Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife, picturesque streets, and beautiful beaches. In May, the island is less crowded, and the party scene is not as wild as in the peak summer months. Some of the top things to do in Mykonos in May include:

• Explore the charming streets of Mykonos Town
• Relax on the beaches of Psarou and Super Paradise
• Visit the archaeological site of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Enjoy a sunset cocktail at Little Venice

Crete is the largest and most diverse of the Greek islands, with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. In May, the island is less crowded, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. Some of the top things to do in Crete in May include:

• Visit the ancient Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
• Hike the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest canyons
• Taste the local cuisine, such as dakos, dolmades, and fresh seafood
• Relax on the beaches of Elafonisi and Balos

Overall, these three Greek islands offer a great mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation in May.

Other Greek Islands to Consider

If you’re looking for a quieter getaway in May, there are several other Greek islands that you could consider visiting. Here are a few options to consider:

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and ancient ruins. In May, the island is less crowded than in the peak summer months, making it a great time to explore the island’s many attractions. The average temperature in May is around 22°C, and there are around 10 hours of sunshine per day.

Some of the top things to do on Naxos include visiting the ancient temple of Apollo, exploring the Venetian castle in Naxos Town, and hiking in the island’s beautiful countryside. There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports, such as windsurfing and kiteboarding, as well as excellent local cuisine to enjoy.

Paros is another beautiful island in the Cyclades that is well worth a visit in May. The island is known for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and excellent cuisine. In May, the weather is warm and sunny, with an average temperature of around 22°C and around 10 hours of sunshine per day.

Some of the top things to do on Paros include exploring the charming villages of Naoussa and Lefkes, visiting the ancient marble quarries in Marathi, and relaxing on the island’s beautiful beaches. There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports, such as windsurfing and sailing, as well as excellent local cuisine to enjoy.

Corfu is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea that is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and rich history. In May, the weather is warm and sunny, with an average temperature of around 23°C and around 10 hours of sunshine per day.

Some of the top things to do on Corfu include visiting the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu, exploring the island’s many beautiful beaches, and visiting the Achilleion Palace, which was once the summer home of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water sports, as well as excellent local cuisine to enjoy.

Overall, there are plenty of other Greek islands to consider visiting in May, each with its own unique attractions and charm. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous island adventure, there’s sure to be an island that’s perfect for you.

Why May is a Great Time to Visit the Greek Islands

Are you planning a trip to the Greek Islands? May is a great time to visit! The weather is warm and sunny, with little rain, making it perfect for exploring the islands and enjoying the beaches. Plus, you’ll avoid the summer crowds and get better deals on accommodation and activities. Here are some reasons why May is a great time to visit the Greek Islands:

Perfect Weather

In May, the weather in the Greek Islands is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C. The sea temperature is around 20°C, so it’s not too cold for swimming and water activities. Compared to the hot and crowded summer months, May offers a more comfortable climate for outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and beach hopping.

Fewer Crowds

May is considered the shoulder season in the Greek Islands, which means fewer tourists and lower prices. You’ll have more space and time to explore the islands without the crowds and queues. Some popular destinations, like Mykonos, may not be fully open in May, but you’ll still find plenty of things to do and see on other islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Karpathos.

Spring Blooms

May is a great time to see the islands in full bloom. You’ll find wildflowers, olive groves, and citrus trees in full bloom, making the landscapes even more beautiful. The island of Crete is particularly known for its spring blooms, with fields of poppies, daisies, and anemones covering the hillsides.

Festivals and Events

May is also a month of festivals and events in the Greek Islands. You can experience the local culture and traditions by attending events like the Flower Festival in Naxos, the Battle of Crete Memorial in Chania, or the Wine Festival in Santorini. These events are a great way to learn more about the history and customs of the islands and meet the locals.

In conclusion, May is a great time to visit the Greek Islands. You’ll enjoy perfect weather, fewer crowds, spring blooms, and cultural events. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture, the Greek Islands have something for everyone in May.

How to Get to the Greek Islands

Getting to the Greek Islands can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the most common methods:

Direct flights leave regularly from Athens Airport to the Greek islands. Flight times range from 40 minutes to just over an hour, depending on your destination. Some of the most popular airlines that fly to the Greek Islands include:

• Aegean Airlines
• Olympic Air

Taking a ferry to the Greek Islands is a popular option for those who want to experience the journey as well as the destination. Ferries leave from various ports in Athens, including Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion. The duration of the trip can vary greatly depending on your destination, with some islands taking just a few hours to reach, while others may take up to a full day.

Here are some of the most popular ferry companies that operate in Greece:

• Blue Star Ferries
• Hellenic Seaways

It’s worth noting that ferry schedules can be affected by weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast before you travel. Additionally, some ferry routes may not operate during the low winter season, so be sure to check availability before planning your trip.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious way to travel to the Greek Islands, a cruise may be the perfect option. There are many cruise companies that offer itineraries that include stops at various Greek Islands. Some of the most popular cruise lines that operate in Greece include:

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line

Cruises can be a great way to see multiple islands in one trip, while also enjoying all the amenities and entertainment that a cruise ship has to offer. However, they can also be more expensive than other methods of travel, so be sure to factor in the cost when planning your trip.

Where to Stay on the Greek Islands

When planning a trip to the Greek Islands in May, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is where to stay. With so many islands to choose from, each with its own unique character and attractions, it can be overwhelming to decide. Here are some tips to help you choose the best island and accommodation for your needs.

Consider Your Budget

The cost of accommodation can vary greatly from island to island, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing where to stay. Some islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini, are known for their luxury hotels and high prices, while others, like Crete and Rhodes, offer more affordable options.

Look for Location

The location of your accommodation can greatly impact your experience on the island. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, consider staying in a secluded area away from the main tourist hubs. If you want to be in the heart of the action, look for accommodation in a bustling town or near popular attractions.

Choose Your Island

Each Greek Island has its own unique charm, so it’s important to choose one that suits your interests and needs. Crete is perfect for those who love history and hiking, while Mykonos is known for its lively nightlife. Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets, and Rhodes offers a mix of ancient history and modern attractions.

Consider Your Accommodation Type

Greek Islands offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, consider staying in a traditional guesthouse or villa. For those who want to be pampered, there are plenty of luxury resorts and spas to choose from.

In conclusion, when choosing where to stay on the Greek Islands in May, consider your budget, location, island of choice, and accommodation type. With a little research and planning, you can find the perfect place to stay and make the most of your Greek Island adventure.

What to Pack for a Trip to the Greek Islands

If you’re planning a trip to the Greek Islands in May, you’ll want to make sure you pack appropriately for the warm weather, potential rain, and activities you plan to do. Here are some essential items to consider packing for your trip:

The Greek Islands are known for their beautiful beaches and warm weather, so be sure to pack plenty of lightweight, breathable clothing. Here are some clothing items to consider:

• Sunhat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun
• Swimsuits and cover-ups for the beach
• Light, airy dresses or shorts and t-shirts for exploring the islands
• A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or unexpected rain
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring the islands

When it comes to toiletries, it’s always a good idea to pack travel-sized items to save space in your luggage. Here are some items to consider:

• Sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the strong sun
• Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other bugs
• Aloe vera gel or lotion to soothe sunburned skin
• Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene items

Electronics

While you may be tempted to unplug and enjoy the beautiful scenery, here are some electronics to consider bringing:

• Camera or smartphone with a good camera to capture memories
• Portable charger to keep your devices charged on-the-go
• Adapter for charging your devices in Greece

Miscellaneous

Here are some other items to consider packing:

• Lightweight backpack or beach bag to carry your essentials while exploring
• Cash or credit card for purchasing souvenirs or food
• Travel insurance to protect against unexpected events
• Any necessary medications, including a basic first aid kit

By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic trip to the Greek Islands in May.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best greek islands to visit in may.

Crete, Kos, and Rhodes are some of the warmest Greek islands to visit in May. These islands have average temperatures of around 24°C and plenty of sunshine.

What is the weather like on the Greek islands in May?

May is a great time to visit the Greek islands as the weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures of around 24°C. There is little chance of rain, and the clear blue skies make for perfect beach weather.

What clothes should I wear in Greece in May?

Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for Greece in May. It is also a good idea to pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the islands.

Is Greece still warm in May?

Yes, Greece is still warm in May, with average temperatures of around 24°C. It is a great time to visit the islands before the peak summer crowds arrive.

Which Greek island is the hottest in June?

Santorini is one of the hottest Greek islands in June, with average temperatures of around 28°C. However, it can also be quite crowded during this time, so it may be worth considering other islands if you prefer a quieter holiday.

Where is the warmest place in Greece in May?

The southern island of Kos is one of the warmest places in Greece in May, with average temperatures of around 24°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine. It is a great destination for those looking for a beach holiday with plenty of warm weather.

Hailing from the historic city of Thessaloniki, Nikos Tsakiris is a passionate explorer, seasoned writer, and co-founder of Greek Island, the definitive travel blog for the Greek Islands.

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THE BEST VALUE AND WARMEST GREEK ISLANDS IN MAY

The weather in Greece in May can be a bit variable as the air temperatures start to warm up but water temperatures are still cool, so working out which are the best Greek Islands in May can be a challenge.

There are some great places to visit particularly in the southern Aegean &   Dodecanese islands   and   Crete which have plenty to see and do, not just beaches and water-related activities. The prices are ‘shoulder’ and the crowds don’t really start to ramp up until June.

It is still Spring and there are many parts of Greece, especially on the   Mainland   in Central and Northern Greece and Crete where the spring flowers can be quite spectacular.  

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The average maximum temperature in May is around  20°C/ 71 F. There will usually be cool breezes at night but exploring during the day can be quite pleasant without the searing temperatures or the crowds of Summer.

The 8 warmest greek islands to visit in may are:

  1. Crete – history, mythology, mountains, hiking, food and wine, wildflowers, waterfalls, (its got something for everyone!)

2. Rhodes – history, archaeology, day trips to Turkey, 4WD safaris

3. Karpathos – charming villages, mythology, hiking, caves

4. Santorini – archeology, wine and cooking, theatre and shows, sailing

5. Syros – history and culture, theatre, nightlife & casino, government

6. Hydra – art, history, hiking, tranquility, music, day trips to the Mainland

7. Aegina – pistachios, archaeology, hiking, wildflowers, day trips to other Saronic Islands and the Peloponnese

8. Kos – history, medicine, food, castles, day trips to Kalimnos or Leros

Greek Islands to avoid in may

Like many islands around the world, the Greek Islands are mostly seasonal and are one of the most popular summer destinations on the planet.

In Summer, islands that are heavily beach-focused such as Mykonos, Naxos, Milos, Elafonisos, and Koufonisia are at their prime with beach clubs, bars, and water sports in full swing but outside June to October they can be quiet with many activities, shops and attractions not fully operational.

In Mykonos , most beach bars and clubs open after Easter but the International DJs and world-renowned Beach parties don’t start happening until June.

Whilst water temperature is a very subject thing and has a lot to do with where you are from and what you are used to, many people find that May is not really beach weather and avoid islands that are heavily geared to the beach and the sea.

Crete is the southernmost island in Greece and enjoys average May daytime temperatures of 23 degrees/74 Fahrenheit making it one of the warmest greek islands to visit in May.

The water is usually warm enough for swimming and the weather is usually calm, with occasional showers.

Crete is also at the tail end of any Meltemi winds that may start to blow at this time of year so transport and activities are rarely disrupted.

Being shoulder season there are lots of great accommodation specials and crowds are relatively low at the many popular sites and activities too. Boat trips to Balos Beach and Spingalonga will have started running and visiting Knossos Palace is pleasant even on sunny days.

Crete is also one of the most popular hiking destinations in Greece so Spring weather makes this quite bearable.

How to get to Crete

There are 3 airports in Crete –   Heraklion   and   Chania   are both International airports and have regular flights to Athens, Thessaloniki and multiple international destinations, mostly in Europe.

There is also a small domestic airport at Lassithi which is close to popular Sitia.

Many people also arrive by Ferry. The main terminal is in Heraklion but there is also a port in Chania and both have regular connections with Athens. In Summer there are also ferries from the Capital to Sitia and Rethymnon.

Where to stay in Crete

If you are short on time then Chania or Rethymnon are the best places to stay.  Heraklion too but the others are much prettier.

If you have longer it’s a good idea to split your stay between say Chania for the East and somewhere like Agios Nikolaos or Elounda for the West.

If you have even more time and/or really want to get away from it all then head to the south where some places are still only accessible by boat.

For couples :

In Chania,   Monastery Estate Venetian Harbour   is stunning and right near the old town and the beautiful Venetian Harbour. Amazing views and hot tubs too!

In Rethymnon, it’s hard to beat   Dyo Suites   which has suites with amazing sea views and indoor jacuzzis, and   Vista Del Porto Luxury Suites   are very similar. R imondi Boutique Hotel   is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Group and is right in the heart of the Old Town near   Pepi Boutique Hotel   which is Adults Only and also incredible.

For families and groups :

Kores Boutique Houses   in Chania have big 3-bedroom villas that can sleep up to 6 people or you could rent adjoining two-bedroom apartments at   Centro Storico   or   Spring Apartments . Hotels like   Epavli Boutique   and   SanSal   are very experienced in looking after large groups and have fantastic swimming pools too.

Elois Suites   in Rethymnon Old Town have 2 bedrooms apartments that sleep 4 or   Made of Blue Luxury Suites   have 3 bedrooms Villas.   Calmare   is a new and very chic property on the beachfront near the OId Town and has family rooms.

In addition to the stunning landscapes and intriguing archaeological attractions, Rhodes also enjoys a lively cultural scene with lots of great cafes and restaurants, as well as plenty of nightlife. With a longer tourist season than most islands and a popular cruise ship destination, Rhodes is enjoyed by visitors year-round.

Located in the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is the third largest island in Greece and has something for everyone and all budgets.

Its history is particularly fascinating having been occupied over the centuries by the Byzantines, Ottomans, Romans and the Knights Hospitaller.

Perhaps most famously, it is believed to have been the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today you can also visit the impressive Acropolis of Lindos, dating back to 300 BC, which towers over the charming town of Lindos and the beautiful beaches of St.Pauls Bay next door.

There is also the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town built in part by the Byzantine Empire in the 7th Century and then by the Knights Hospitaller , a Medieval Catholic Order, in around 1309. If you are a history lover or keen to explore   ancient sites about Greek mythology then Rhodes is a perfect choice.

There are also a lot of great beaches and because of the warmer weather, the beach bars have a long season which runs from April until November each year.

How to get to Rhodes

Rhodes has a small international airport that has flights from some European destinations like England year-round and numerous flights from all over Europe and further afield in Summer. The are daily flights to Athens and regular flights to Thessaloniki in summer too.

There is a large ferry port with connections to the other Dodecanese islands and on to the Cyclades, Northern Aegean Islands and Crete as well as Athens. There are also regular connections to Turkey.

Where to stay in Rhodes

If visiting between outside summer then the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhodes Old Town is a great choice so you can enjoy the history and learn about the rich background of the island. Here we love In Camera Art Boutique Hotel and Bibliotheque , which has 3-bedroom apartments, perfect for families and groups.

If you’re still keen to make the most of the first warm days of the year by the beach then Bellevue on the Beach Suites are fantastic or further out at Faliraki is Ammades All Suites Adults Only resort with an amazing beachfront swimming pool. All-inclusive fans love Atlantica Imperial Resort.

If you’re looking for both history and beach then Lindos ticks both boxes and is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the island. F Charm Adults Only Hotel is superb or Villa Aphrodite is a stunning 3 bedroom Villa in heart of the old town with a big terrace and sea views.

Located between Crete and Rhodes is Karpathos, an island that actually has the highest temperatures of all the Greek Islands. It is the second largest of the Dodecanese Islands and has a population of around 7000 people.

With daytime averages usually around 26 degrees/80 Fahrenheit and little rain, this island is off the beaten path and is a very authentic island experience. There are beautiful beaches, charming villages and great hiking paths as well as hidden coves and caves, and the neighbouring islet of Saria, which is a popular playground in Summer.

Due to its relatively remote location Karpathos has retained some of its unique customs and traditions which are evident in the costumes, recipes and even the dialect. It also has a rich and often bloody history like many of the islands in the area and in Greek Mythology it was believed to be the birthplace of the Titans.

This is an island that is not only one of the best and warmest Greek Islands to visit in May but is relatively untouched by mass tourism and is perfect for rest and tranquility.

How to get to Karpathos

There is a small airport on Karpathos so it’s possible to fly from Athens, or fly to Rhodes and take a ferry from there.

Where to stay in Karpathos

Couples and Solo: Bella Vista Suites in Karpathos Town have big 1 bedroom apartments with amazing sea views.

Groups and Families : Hotel Finiki View in Foinikion is a very affordable small hotel with a big pool for the kids. If you would prefer a self-contained house then check out Villa Anastasia in Voladha which can sleep up to 7 people and has a pool and sweeping views across the island. Ardani Paradise Villa in Amoopi is also excellent with 2 bedrooms that sleep 4 in 3 beds and a jacuzzi with stunning sea views. Perfect for cool October nights!

Santorini is a bucket list destination for most people and for good reason.

Despite the cruise ships and the crowds, it remains one of those places that not only meets your expectations but probably exceeds them. The views truly are the stuff of legends and it is little wonder it is so popular with honeymooners.

There are a surprising amount of   things to do on Santorini   with beaches, wineries, hot springs, great shopping, hiking and some of the world’s most iconic and photographed sunsets.

The beaches on Santorini are volcanic and not the best in Greece. But with so many other things to see and do it attracts people with a wide variety of interests and for that reason, many areas operate year-round.

In October it pays to get a room with a jacuzzi rather than a pool, especially for the cool nights later in the month,

How to get to Santorini

The small   international airport   in Santorini has several flights to Athens a day as well as regular flights in summer from other European destinations like Rome and England. Check flight schedules   HERE.

There are also many ferries each day, year-round.

TIP : Both the port and the airport can be quite nuts in summer and there can be long waits for the cable car, taxis, and   donkeys . It REALLY pays to have a   private transfer   waiting for you!

Where to stay in Santorini

There are 18 towns and villages in Santorini. Most visitors stay in just 6 of them but particularly the Capital, Fira or the much-photographed Oia or Imerovigli. All of these are perched on the Caldera and look out over the volcano, with incredible sunsets.

Some people also like to stay in the beachside towns of Kamari or Perissa which are more affordable alternatives.

For couples & solo : It’s hard to beat  Santorini Supreme for luxury, privacy, and increible views from the private pool. Sweet Peony is also gorgeous and quite good value compared to other villas of its standard.  For something a bit different look at   Pyrgos 1870 winery.

For families and groups :   White Harmony Suites   have 2 bedroom suites or   Theoxenia Boutique Hotel   have quad rooms and are not far from, dare I say it, McDonald’s.

In Oia, Armeni Village is very central and accessible and they ha ve loft-style rooms with daybeds as well. For groups wanting something really special have a look at this   amazing Windmill   which sleeps 6, or   Porcelain Pegasus villa   with its own big pool.

Further reading:

3 days in Santorini – a complete itinerary

How to get from Santorini to Mykonos

Winter in Santorini

Hiking in Santorini  

Santorini on a Budget

Santorini with kids

Located just 2 hours southeast of  Athens  by Fast Ferry or north of  Santorini  is the capital of the Cyclades Islands, Syros.

Also known as Siros or Syra this island is very different from the others in the group with its colorful neo-classical buildings and many impressive Government buildings, museums, theatres, and even a casino!

This is the most populated of the Cyclades islands and is the Administrative hub with all Government services including law courts, a big hospital, and the biggest city hall in Greece, it makes it a year-round destination. There is even a stunning Theatre , the Opera and a Casino !

Syros was one of the only Cycladic islands not occupied at some point by the Ottomans so its history is quite unique and fascinating. It was largely developed by the Venetians and the French, hence the beautiful architecture, and to this day its inhabitants are 50% Greek Orthodox and 50% Catholic.

While there are some good beaches on Syros if it is cool there is plenty of other things to do due to its many cultural interests. It’s a treasure chest for history buffs and is a very affordable island too with fantastic, authentic tavernas and cafes.

May Day (May 1st) is a big public holiday across all of Greece and Syros in particular really celebrates with a number of festivities and parades, mostly around the Town Square.

How to get to Syros

Syros has a domestic airport with year-round flights, especially during the tourist season. All flights are to or from Athens and take just 25 minutes.

Syros is well connected by boat, and reaching it by sea is simple. The ferry from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, takes between 2.5 and 4 hours depending on which ferry you book.

Syros can also be reached via ferry services from another Athens port, Rafina, which runs from May to October. This daily service takes 1.5 hours.

There are also a number of different boat connections to many of the other Cycladic islands, such as Crete, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, and the Dodecanese islands. 

Where to stay in Syros

For couples & Solo:  The new   DIIO Suites   have amazing views of the port and are very well priced. Also with amazing views, but this time of Verona bay lined with gorgeous colorful neo-classical buildings, it’s hard to beat   Pafsilipon Suites with gorgeous rooms decked out with every conceivable amenity.

You can also find hotels such as charming Wind Tales situated high on a hilltop in medieval Ano Syros. If you are looking for a bit of a splurge the stunning   Aristide Hotel   is a design dream and, in our opinion, one of the most stylish hotels in the Greek Islands.

For families and groups :   F or something really unique, situated high on the hill in Ano Syros up behind Ermoupoli is  Anemomylos Windmill which is a fair way from the center of town but with incredible, panoramic views. 

Galissas is one of the most popular of Syros’ tourist resorts and has one of the best and biggest beaches and the best sunsets on the island. Here Dolphin Bay Resort  is very popular with families or  Caviri Apartments , which is surrounded by nature.  

Further reading: A Complete Guide to Syros

Situated in the   Saronic Islands , Hydra is one of the wealthiest islands in Greece and is where the original ship-owning families built neo-classical mansions on the hills. The locals fought in the Greek War of Independence, while the island’s ships and wealth supported the war.

Hydra was home to a number of famous people including one of Greece’s most important 20th-century painters -Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas Painters and poets such as Seferis and Katsimbalis. Katsimbalis was visited by Author Henry Miller, who was then visited by Australian playwright George Johnston and his wife Charmain Clift who moved to the island and were joined by famous Canadian musician Leonard Cohen , who went on to live in Hydra for 20 years.

Nowadays, Hydra remains a much-loved hotspot but is largely undeveloped. This is partly due to stringent planning regulations, which have ensured that the island’s quaint charm remains intact. As a result, Hydra oozes charm and charisma, with donkey carts and quaint, renovated houses spilling down the hills to the harbour.

While Hydra is calm and traditional, there are also some great clifftop beach bars that are very popular with Athenians on the weekends. Hydra has some good beaches accessible by water taxi but is also a great place for people seeking history and culture who aren’t looking for the beach at all.

Also, because the Saronic Islands tightly hug the Saronic gulf they are the most protected in Greece in terms of wind and bad weather. It is highly unlikely you will experience seasickness in this area and ferry cancellations are not common.

How to get to Hydra

There is no airport on Hydra or, in fact, any of the Saronic islands. The closest one is   Athens so a trip to the Saronic Island will always involve the sea, even if you drive to one of the small mainland ports on the Argolis peninsula and catch a small ferry over.

From Pireaus Port Hellenic Seaways Flying Dolphin and Hydrofoils run daily trips to Hydra and several times a day in Summer. Tickets are usually €28 per person and the journey takes 90-120 minutes.

From Varkiza Marina in Athens, you can pre-book a   sea taxi   to take you to Hydra Town, Kamini, Vlychos, Plakes or Mandraki. This takes 2 hours and costs €500 one way for up to 8 passengers.

Where to stay in Hydra

Most visitors to Hydra stay in Hydra Town (also known as Idra). It’s impossible to land on the island without being struck by the beauty of Hydra Town. The town is wrapped around the island’s port, which is also one of the most beautiful sights on the island.

Couples and Solo:  A great mid -range hotel is the very charming Hotel Sophia right on the harbour overlooking everything. For a splurge check out Hydrea Exclusive Hospitality.

Groups and families: Villa ADA is a lovely 3-bedroom house at the back of Hydra Town with sea views and a big terrace. It can sleep 6 people plus a child or two and there are 3 bathrooms as well which is a bonus.

A DAY TRIP TO HYDRA

If you are short on time it is quite possible to do a day trip from Athens to the Saronic island. You can either use the ferry system as mentioned above or join a   full-day cruise   that visits Poros and Aegina as well and includes lunch!

There is also a   VIP cruise  option which includes your transfers in Athens, priority boarding and access to a VIP lounge on the boat.

Further reading: A Complete Guide to Hydra

The island of Aegina is also located i n the Saronic group of islands , and is only one hour by ferry from Athens. It has good weather year-round and is relatively protected from the famous Meltemi wind that can blow hard on some parts of the Aegean.

With its mix of traditional Greek coastal towns, ancient history, beaches, nightlife and great food, Aegina is the best of the Greek islands rolled into one.

The bonus is that, unlike other islands, it’s practically on Athens’ doorstep, making it easy to reach, and it’s very affordable, too. In fact, a lot of people who live on Aegina work in Athens and commute every day. It’s not as glamorous as it’s neighbours   Hydra   and Spetses but it is also a lot cheaper and even more accessible.

Aegina is renowned for its Pistachio’s, and the Temple of Aphea is one of the most important in the country. It’s an authentic island that is perfect for visiting year-round and perfect for May.

How to get to Aegina

Being so close to Athens visiting is fairly straightforward.

It is also often combined with visits to other Saronic islands such as Poros,   Hydra   and Spetses. In fact there is a very popular   3-island cruise   that combines the three on a day trip.

There are four ferry companies that run between Athens’ port, Piraeus, and Aegina, all of which leave from the east side of Piraeus Port at Gate 8. Ferry companies are Anes Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Saronic Ferries and Aegean Flying Dolphins.

Where to stay in Aegina

The main town on the island of Aegina is also called Aegina. This is the capital and principal port and therefore pretty busy with tourists, hotels, restaurants and things to do. The whole town’s a picture-perfect place, and staying here means taking long walks along the harbour, stopping off for a pick-me-up at one of the town’s many cafes, and enjoying fresh fish in a taverna. 

Solo and couples: Here we recommend staying at  Plaza Hotel , a great budget choice right across from the beach with amazing sunset views or the charming Aeginitikon Arhontikon Boutique Hotel which is in an historic building .

Perdika is a village surrounding a lovely bay and has some great hotels such as   Ilioperato  and  LaLiBay resort and spa  which is a little further around the cove.

Families and groups: If travelling in a group  Los Pistachios is on the outskirts of town and is a truly amazing new 2 bedroom Villa with a small pool, a gym , a beautiful garden and even a fireplace and can easily sleep 6. Right in town is another fantastic place, Feidiou1 , a renovated 2 bedroom apartment in a converted mansion by the Port.

Further Reading: A Complete Guide to Aegina  

The island of Kos, in the Aegean Sea, is the third largest and second most populous island in the Greek   Dodecanese Islands . Located just over 2 hours from   Rhodes   by ferry, Kos also has an   International Airport   so it’s easy to see why so many many people choose Kos holidays as their summer escape.

Once you arrive, you’ll be impressed by how Kos maintains its small beach town vibe without lacking in any of the comforts you want on a vacation.

Kos is where the great Greek physician Hippocrates is from, who is known as the father of medicine and the reason for the Hippocratic Oath taken by Doctors to this day. He was born on the island around 460BC and used to teach his students under a big Plane Tree in Kos Town, which you can still visit today. It is also believed to be where Saint Paul taught the word of Christ centuries later.

From May to September there are various festivals and recitations in Kos honouring Hippocrates and his oath. 

On top of this, the island boasts some of the region’s most beautiful white sandy beaches alongside a myriad of archaeological sites, such as the Sanctuary of Asklepio (son of Apollo) and a castle built by the Knights of St.John,  just ripe for exploration. Between the fantastic weather, laid-back feel, incredible beaches, and some of the best   Greek food   you could ask for, Kos is a paradise just waiting to be explored.

How to get to Kos

Flying to kos.

If you aren’t anywhere near the islands there’s no need to worry because Kos has an airport – the   Kos Island International Airport   – which receives flights from not only all over Greece but many different destinations.

Flying in from Athens takes just an hour’s flight time. The airport is buzzing in the summer when primarily British and German airlines are flying in daily to serve the holiday-goers flying in from abroad.

The airport is just a half-hour drive from Kos City, and you can easily find a taxi. Alternatively, there is a public bus running frequently, and the stop is just outside the main entrance.

FERRY TO KOS

If you are island-hopping, Kos has ferry routes running with four of the surrounding islands – Rhodes, Patmos, Leros, and Kalymnos.

Ferry rides are a little longer and even the closest island, Patmos, is a three-hour journey (a beautiful one, though).

There are ferries from Athens too, but this would really qualify as taking the scenic route since that trip will be around 11 hours. Be sure to book a cabin on the Blue Star and enjoy a mini-cruise!

The nearby Turkish town of Bodrum also has a ferry route to Kos, if you’re approaching from the east.

Where to stay in Kos

The majority of the hotels in Kos are in the island’s main city, also called Kos. The rest are largely concentrated along the northern coast. Tourism is the island’s biggest industry, alongside farming and exports of Greek goods like figs, almonds, olives, and tomatoes, so there are a surprisingly large number of hotel options in the main city.

Albergo Gelsomino Hotel  is a beautifully restored building-turned-hotel sitting right at the water’s edge on the eastern shores of Kos, with the beach only steps away. A section of the beach is private for hotel guests only, complete with comfortable chairs and beach umbrellas.

Blue Lagoon City Hotel   offers luxury at a low price so great for travelers on a budget. Open year-round even during the tourism off-season, the Blue Lagoon is a few minutes from the beach but compensates by having an indoor and outdoor pool, gym facility, and spa with sauna.

ELSEWHERE ON KOS  

Cirillo Family Hotel   is a small, family-run hotel in the former fishing village of Mastichari. It is set in a private area surrounded by gardens, just a few minutes walk from the beach. Rooms and suites are comfortable, decorated in an Aegean style, and with sea, garden, or mountain views.

Origin Hotel Apartments   is located in the popular southern coastal town of Kardamena. Suites are comfortable, modern, but without the frills, offering great accommodation at a low rate. The hotel is located close to the beach and also close to the airport. There is an outdoor pool as well.

OKU Kos   will make you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise. This is an adult-only hotel with a private beach and outdoor pool, as well as a well-known boutique restaurant. The overall decor is luxury with a laid-back, island feel – the ample straw parasols, stonework, palm trees, and private villas give it a Bali or Tulum vibe.

Further Reading: A Complete Guide to Kos  

Events in Greece in May

May Day /Labor Day – May 1

Protomagia is one of the biggest holidays of the year and cause for much celebration across the country. This is also Labour Day so public transport does not usually run and many shops and attractions are closed. Large demonstrations are often held, particularly in Athens where they culminate in Syntagma Square.

The Day of the Holy Spirit

This runs for the 50 days after Orthodox Easter ( so a different time each year) and celebrates when the Holy Spirit asked the Apostles to spread the word of Christ. Usually, schools and universities are closed.

The Unification of the Ionian Islands – May 21 (Corfu)

Anniversary of the Battle of Crete – May 21 (Crete)

The feast days for Saint Constantine and Saint Helena – May 21 (all over) 

Orthodox Pentecost – May 28/29

The Paleological Festival of Mystras – May 29 (Mystras)

Festival of Saint Theodosia – May 29 (Akrotiri, Santorini)

The Hadjipetria Festival – end of the month ( Trikala)

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Top 5 Places to Visit in Greece in May

Athens could be one of the best places to visit in Greece and visiting in May could help you explore the places among lesser crowd. Being the capital, this place looks like a modernised mythology. Beholding the culture always, this place is a modern mix of history in future.

Visiting the Acropolis

The Acropolis is one of the most preferred places to visit in Athens. Built with shiny marble, the Parthenon temple catches the eye of the beholder. This place has cultural importance and was biggest monuments built by the history. Getting lost in its architecture is what you can do here on your trip to Greece in May.

Panathenaic Stadium

With Greece being the origin to Olympics, returning back to home land without visiting this place is an absolute sin. Built in 335 BC and renovated in 1896, this stadium has seen strong players and is yet to withstand centuries in building new ones. Visit this place and reassess if this place is what you had been watching in television every 4 years.

2. Santorini

This is one of the popular places not to miss in Greece. Looking like a perfect Tom and Jerry maze, this place absolutely looks like a fairy tale. All the houses and restaurants looks perfectly placed by Bob the builder. Getting the cartoonic flavour? Yes! that’s exactly what Santorini is all about.

Exploring the Fira

From the picturesque building arrangements to breathtaking sceneries, Fira has it all. This being the capital of Santorini, has the purest essence of Santorini. The archaeological museum  is a must visit place in Fira in Greece in May and has the finest remains of the old Greece.

Exploring Beach life at Santorini

With almost 9 beaches at Santorini, this place is perfect to enjoy the beach holiday. Give yourself a good sun bath wherein the sun would show some mercy and save you from sunburns. The number of activities around these beaches are sure to keep you full engaged.

Also Read: Greece Travel guide

One of the most beautiful places in Greece, this place – Meteora has numerous monasteries . They are built on cliffs and this place even has the oldest of monasteries dating back to 14th century. Theopetra Cave, Meteora Geological History Museum along with the volumes of thrill trails increasing, make it highly worthwhile to visit Greece in May.

4. Visiting the land of Delphi 

History has ever failed to amaze us and Delphi is one such land which has be ruined. And to somebody new to Delphi, it would look like a museum where antique pieces are showcased. Delphi puts forth a new dimension of Greece where the historical and cultural emphasis makes it unique and a must place to visit in Greece.

5. Apokoronas

Being to Greece and not witnessing their bread baking and cheese making is sure to make you empty. With amazing beach side villas, this place is sure to leave fill up all the serenity your life needs. Being amidst the green vegetation and blue water and enjoying life is what you will need to do in Greece in May.

What to Wear For Greece Trip in May

Greece, proving its majestical spell, has various mountains. Pertaining to its climatic conditions, it is suitable to pack for both summer and winter – however for lighter wintery evenings. Anything like shorts, tees, swim suits – in general easy breathable for the day time and clothings to protect you from 14 degree celsius like hoodies and sweaters should be fine.

Check-Out Our Top-Selling Greece Tour Packages

Greece Honeymoon Tour Packages  |  Greece Family Tour Packages  |  Greece Budget Tour Packages  |  Greece Luxury Tour Packages

Dive into a Collection of Related Articles

Greece in January | Greece in February | Greece in March | Greece in April | Greece in June | Greece in July | Greece in August | Greece in September | Greece in October | Greece in November | Greece in December

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Greece in May

Weather in Greece in May starts out grey and dreary and as the month progresses, there is good sunshine. The average high temperature in May is at 24°C in the day which is quite pleasant, and the average low temperature is at a comfortable 17°C at night.

Greece weather in May starts out dry and by the time you get to the end of the month there is good sunshine and clear blue skies.

Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, are good islands to visit in Greece in May which start to get crowed as June begins.

Visiting Greece in May is amazing idea and visit Pickyourtrail to get some fantabulous Greece tour packages recommendation. Say hi to the holiday planner in you and ask them to customise it according to you. Bon Voyage!

Aiswarya Giridharan

39 posts published., related itineraries.

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Greece in May: Intro to a Greek Summer

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The weather in Greece in May ticks all the boxes for a dream vacation. It almost feels like summer, but not quite; there is very little rain and days are filled with blue skies and lots of sunshine. Yet, it is not the peak tourist season in the country, making it easier on your wallet.

Take advantage of the ideal weather in May to discover the delights of this remarkable country. Enjoy the nightlife of Zakynthos and admire the lovely beaches of Mykonos. Revel in the vibrant colors of Thessaloniki’s main bazaar, Kapani, and get awed by the fascinating landscape around Delphi. You will never run out of things to do when you are visiting Greece .

Greece Weather in May

May is the time when the weather in Greece transitions from spring and summer. Temperatures are pleasant across much of the country, with little rain and bright days. The average high temperature in Athens during this month is 23°C, while the average low hovers at around 16°C. The southern parts of the country are warmer than the north, and the last week of May is particularly good for swimming off the coasts of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. On the stunning island of Santorini, with its rising crescent of cliffs and whitewashed towns, the average temperature fluctuates between 15°C and 22°C.

For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Greece .

Weather in Greece in May - Rainfall and Temperatures

Why visit greece in may.

You are in luck if you are traveling to Greece in May . This month is one of the best times to discover this beautiful country. Below are some of the reasons why you should consider visiting the country during this time.

• Moderate weather: The weather in Greece is near-perfect during this month. Spring is still in the air and summer is not yet here. Plus, little to no rainfall means you can explore the length and breadth of this enchanting land without fearing any disruption.
• Cool deals: May is part of the shoulder season in the country. This means that you can get discounts on air tickets and hotels during your trip to the country at this time of year. If you planning a budget trip to Greece , May is one of the perfect months for it.
• Less-crowded highlights: Since the summer rush is yet to descend on Greece in May, you can enjoy access to some of the greatest archaeological sites and best beaches in the world without having to contend with crowds.
• Island-hopping: Some of the top island destinations in Greece are hard to access during winter because of infrequent ferry services. However, the case is entirely different in May, when you can go island-hopping to your heart’s content. From Santorini and Syros to Corfu and Cephalonia — no island is off-limits during this time.
• Festive spirit: You can be part of some unique festivals and events in Greece in May. This includes the Feast of Saint Constantine, which is carried out in honor of the first Orthodox Christian emperor, Constantine, and his mother, Ayia Eleni. This festival sees fire-walking rituals in villages in the Macedonian part of the country. Another fascinating event that starts in May and continues for several months takes place in Kos in honor of Hippocrates. Children wear ancient costumes and play the flute while his famous oath is recited.

Where to go and what to do

Sun-drenched beaches, ancient archaeological wonders, beautiful islands, and endless cultural offerings — traveling to Greece in May will delight you every step of the way. Monuments like the Parthenon and the Acropolis of Athens beckon travelers from all over the world to the capital, which is home to numerous other highlights worth discovering. Embrace the calmness of the National Garden, learn more about the history of the country at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and be part of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

When it comes to the country’s stunning islands, you will be spoilt for choice in Greece in May. Fall in love with the pastel villages, grand houses, and olive groves on your tour of Corfu . Feast your eyes on the endless miles of powdery sand in Naxos. Take a trip to Santorini , with its breathtaking views, and Syros, with its year-round cultural offerings and whitewashed streets, two perennial favorite destinations among travelers.

For a very different look and feel, head to Thessaloniki , once a major port city of the Ottoman empire. Discover its rich history in the city’s architecture and colorful markets. Tinos, located in the Cyclades, has started gaining popularity among travelers in recent days, not just for its lovely, marble-fronted buildings but also for its sophisticated food and wine scene. And May is an excellent time to visit the island. The past is never far away in Greece, and few other activities are as romantic as taking a tour of the ancient Delphi . No longer the religious center of the world, Delphi’s temple, and beautiful mountainside ruins will still transport you to a forgotten past.

What to bring

If you want to enjoy moderate temperatures and pleasant weather conditions in Greece, then May is a lovely month to visit the country. Since you will be walking a lot during your trip, we recommend carrying a sturdy pair of walking shoes. A light jacket will also come in handy as it can get windy in the evenings.

A trip to Greece in May is bound to be filled with excitement. We recommend spending at least  7-days in Greece  as it would give you the perfect amount of time to experience all the highlights in-depth. You could opt for a 5-day stay if you have a shorter time on your hands. If you want an extensive tour of the country, you should definitely go for a 2-week trip to Greece . If you need more information on how long to stay in the country, check out our guide on  how many days you should spend in Greece .

Our local travel experts can help you plan a customized trip to Greece . Reach out to them if you are interested in a personalized itinerary. So wait no longer to  book your trip to Greece in May .

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If you’re planning a trip to Greece in 2024, visit these 10 top destinations

Mar 4, 2024 • 6 min read

From iconic islands to major cities to the lesser-known, wild region of Epiros, our list of essential Greek destinations has a bit of everything © Georgios Tsichlis / Shutterstock

As its mythical Sirens were reputed to do, Greece has long lured travelers to its scintillating shores.

Across an expansive island archipelago, traditional whitewashed villages, azure seas and waterfront tavernas enchant visitors. Greece’s mountainous mainland, rich in UNESCO World Heritage–listed ancient sites, treasure-filled museums and spirited cities, is no less fascinating. As you contemplate your dream Greece itinerary, consider these 10 favorite places to add to it.

Wherever you walk in Greece’s storied capital, the ancients have walked before – whether you see the evidence or not. From the Acropolis  (whose jewel in the crown is the fifth-century BCE Parthenon ) to the underground metro (where some stations feature archaic finds), Athens  is teeming with historical sites , monuments and museums. A combo card affords entry to the Acropolis and six more sites; the Acropolis Museum is also a must-see.

Easy to tackle on foot, Athens is also one of Europe’s liveliest metropolises – and strolls through neighborhoods like old-town Plaka , flea market–famous Monastiraki and hip Pangrati are highlights. By night, catch a live band in gritty Gazi , catch a movie at an outdoor cinema in Thission or go bar-hopping off the main commercial street Ermou.

Local tip: Book tickets online for a reinvented Greek tragedy or dance troupe performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheater as part of the  Epidaurus Festival , which takes place each summer.

A collection of over 70 beaches, sea caves hidden beneath limestone cliffs and technicolor traditional boat houses are just some of the reasons why mineral-rich Milos has won the hearts of many travelers. Evidence of its volcanic origins can be seen in the almost lunar landscape of Sarakiniko , where the more daring dive into a jade-colored Aegean. Arrive early at Gerondas beach to nab the generous shade of caves and enjoy floating silently in still waters.

Planning tip: Save a couple of days to spend on Kimolos, a small island northeast of Milos reachable by ferry. One of its most impressive beaches is Prassa, where coarse, blindingly white sand shows off shallow, aquamarine waters to full effect.

Rhodes has long been the Dodecanese ’s biggest draw thanks to its atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage–listed medieval old town . Transformed in the Middle Ages by the Knights of the Order of St John into a formidable fortified city, it fell to the Ottomans, who erected mosques, baths and houses, many of which have been restored. Youngsters might envision armored men on horseback thundering down the cobblestoned Street of the Knights .

Make sure you visit the Palace of the Grand Master , which features stunning Roman and Early Christian floor mosaics, and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle.

Planning tip: Book a state-licensed tour guide to show you around the old town for a full picture of its long and fascinating history.

4. Santorini

Whether you’re coupled up or not, it’s hard not to fall for Santorini ’s charms. Whitewashed and pastel-hued, cube-shaped homes cling to steep cliffsides above a cobalt Aegean and the island’s famed caldera, formed by volcanic eruptions over millennia.

Weave your way through the narrow alleyways of the postcard-perfect village of Oia amid blue-domed churches. Bathe in thermal springs warmed by an active volcano, splay out on black-sand beaches and don’t miss the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri , which features an advanced drainage system.

Planning tip: Book a private tour of Santorini ’s smaller wine estates, whose new generation of vintners is breathing new life into traditional wines like mezzo and Nychteri.

In Greece’s west lies Epiros , a remote region of soaring mountain peaks, fast-flowing rivers and hidden rock canyons. Hike to the alpine heights of Mt Tymfi’s Dragon Lake, which freezes over in winter, or traverse the thick forests, inclines and descents of spectacular Vikos Gorge . Whitewater rafting thrills and spills await in the Voidomatis or Arachthos rivers, while canyoning enthusiasts can choose from routes of varying difficulty.

6. Kythnos and Serifos

If peaceful sandy shores, unassuming waterfront tavernas and sleepy villages are more your style, the low-key West Cyclades isles of Kythnos and Serifos are worth a stop. Kythnos has deep, sheltered bays and tamarisk-dotted silver-sand beaches, among them Lefkes and Naousa.

Wallet-friendly tavernas line the laid-back fishing settlements of Loutro and Meriha, while wind-whipped Serifos , a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus , features sweeping sandy beaches, sheltered bays, ghostly mining relics and a jewel-like hilltop capital whose neoclassical town hall stands sentinel over the buzzy main square.

7. Thessaloniki

At the crossroads of East and West, where the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have held sway over the centuries, Thessaloniki tempts serious foodies. Bougatsa , a phyllo pastry pie usually filled with semolina custard, spinach or mince meat, makes for a hearty breakfast. Pick up olives and spices at the olfactory-awakening open-air markets and Pontic cheeses from indoor food hub Modiano , which dates back to 1922. In the former oil merchant district of Ladadika, mezedopolia serve dishes revealing strong Anatolian and Middle Eastern influences, customarily with the fiery clear spirit tsipouro .

Planning tip: Thessaloniki is also renowned for its fish and seafood, served with fervor and pride whether it’s a backstreet taverna or an upscale restaurant. Bookings are recommended for the latter.

Tranquil, turquoise seas, fir-studded hillsides and a regal capital make Corfu one of the most beautiful parts of the country to go sailing. The Ionian isle is the ideal starting point for novices who can take a sailing course and gain certification.

Afterward, join a flotilla for a leisurely cruise around Corfu, dropping anchor at Kalami Bay (of The Durrells fame) and lush Paleokastritsa. In Corfu Town , admire Venetian fortresses, the French-designed Liston Arcade and The Palace of St Michael and St George , built during the island’s British administration.

Planning tip: Few venture to Erikousa island, northwest of Corfu, which is blessed with pristine beaches and shallow cerulean seas.

Greece’s largest island, Crete  abounds in historical sites, well-preserved monuments and modern museums. A wander through the Minoan-era palaces of Knossos , Malia , Phaestos and Kato Zakros  won’t disappoint any fan of classical culture.

Stroll along the Venetian Harbour in Hania , lined with Ottoman monuments such as the Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque . Trek up to Byzantine and Venetian fortresses such as the Fortezza in Rethymno and Kastelli in Hania. In the east, the 16th-century Venetian fortress on Spinalonga islet reveals a harrowing, more recent past as a leper colony.

Among noteworthy museums are the Heraklion Archaeological Museum , Chania’s Maritime Museum of Crete , and the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna in Rethymno.

10. Mykonos

In the 1960s and 70s, Mykonos hosted roving hippies, celebrities and moneyed jet-setters who flirted and danced till the sun came up. While new five-star hotels and swanky brand-name restaurants may have altered the landscape and driven up prices, the fabled Cycladic isle still reigns supreme when it comes to summer nightlife in the Mediterranean.

Revelers can choose from the thumping bars lining Little Venice in Hora , as well as beach bars, cabaret restaurants and iconic clubs like seaside Cavo Paradiso , where illustrious music DJs fire up the crowd.

Planning tip: August is Mykonos’ busiest month. It’s also when you can witness the hottest DJs and surprise appearances by music artists, including prominent hip-hop names.

This article was first published July 2021 and updated March 2024

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The 13 best places to visit in Greece

From sprawling cosmopolitan cities to breathtaking beaches, here's where to add to your Greece bucket list

There are many beautiful countries in Europe, but there is nowhere like Greece . The white and blue houses. The mountain views. The glistening blue waters and the secret hidden coves. It’s sometimes barely believable that Greece exists, but it does! And the best part? It’s absolutely massive, and there’s so much to explore. 

Different Greek islands do different things, so if you’re making the trip, you should first figure out what kind of holiday you’re after. Are you looking for something beachy, nature-y or a bit more cosmopolitan? Lemon trees, sunset cocktails or pure, unadulterated clubbing? Whatever you're looking for, our local writer has picked the best islands, cities and towns to visit. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏝️  The most  beautiful Greek islands 🏨 The best  hotels in Greece 🏛 The best things to do in Athens 🧿 The best things to do in Mykonos

Demetrios Ioannou  is a writer and photographer from Athens.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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Where to visit in Greece

1.  Athens

Obviously, if you’ve heard anything about Greece, you know about its beautiful capital Athens. Athens is that perfect mix of traditional but trendy, ancient but modern, full of nature but cosmopolitan at the very same time. Here you’ll find huge, open roads covered in restaurants and bars, but coming off them are tiny little cobbled side streets to explore. Old buildings give way to fascinating galleries. You can grab an ouzo and pitch up at a beautiful outdoor cinema, looking up at the stars. Plus you’ve simply got to see the Parthenon at least once in your life. Athens is a sprawling, incomparable beauty that is like no other. Add it to your bucket list. 

Why go?  Europe’s oldest capital and the birthplace of democracy, Athens is crammed with several thousands of years of history and is as unmissable as any great Euro city. 

Discover Athens: 🧿  How to spend a weekend in Athens 📍  The best  things to do in Athens 🥙  Really good  restaurants in Athens 😎  Explore  Kypseli, Athens’s coolest neighbourhood

2.  Aegina

A little over an hour away from the port of Piraeus, the island of Aegina is the closest to the Greek capital and a popular destination for tourists and locals. In 1827, after the Greek Independence War had ended, it served as the first capital of the newly founded Greek state for a while. Today, the island is mostly famous for pistachios, chock-a-block full of pistachio trees, and thought to be the best in the world for the stuff. It’s worth visiting the famous Aphea Temple, dedicated to goddess Athena, the Saint Nektarios Monastery and the nearby uninhabited Islet of Moni, where wild peacocks and deer stroll uninterrupted. 

3.  Crete

You’ll need a car to explore Greece’s biggest island, but if you’re after golden beaches, crumbly old towns, world-class museums and UNESCO Heritage sites,  Crete  ticks every box. Chania in the west is the liveliest part of the island, while Sitia in the east is famed for its pristine coves and sandy beaches – a perfect rural and picturesque escape. Nature seekers could hike Samaria, Europe’s longest gorge, culture hunters should track down the Minoan palaces, and kids are guaranteed a good time at the island’s countless waterparks.

Why go?  Much more than just an all-inclusive beach holiday hotspot, Crete is a mish-mash of fabulous stuff to see, do, eat and drink. 

Discover Crete:

📍  The best things to do in Crete

4.  Santorini

The scenery in  Santorini , one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, seems crafted by the Greek gods: whitewashed villages crown the island with views over its majestic coastlines, rural vineyards span huge stretches inland and the beaches are black, red, and out of this world. There’s a ridiculous amount for explorers, foodies and culture vultures to discover, from archaeological sites to swimming spots and brilliant wine and food. And trust us: this place is  even  more beautiful IRL than it looks on the ’gram.

Discover Santorini:

📍  The best things to do in Santorini 🏨  Amazing hotels in Santorini 🏖️  Where to stay in Santorini  

5.  Zakynthos

Better known as Zante, Zakynthos draws a party-ready crowd to its notorious Laganas nightlife strip, but this sunstruck Ionian isle – known by the Venetians as ‘the flower of the East’ – is also blessed with some of the Med’s most beautiful scenery. This includes the spectacular Shipwreck Beach, whose bright-blue waters hemmed in by sheer white cliffs can only be reached by boat, and Zakynthos Marine Park, home to slippery seals and savvy turtles. It’s truly wild – in multiple senses of the word.

6.  Tinos

Famous for its carved marble-fronted buildings – and, increasingly, its burgeoning food scene – Tinos is yet another jewel in the Cyclades archipelago. To get there, you’ll need to fly to Mykonos and catch a ferry. It’s worth the journey: some of the best Greek wines are produced here, and chefs from all over Europe have opened restaurants among its sage-scented hills. Most are situated in the main town of Chora – we recommend the traditional Greek menu at Thalassaki.

7.  Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos is also one of the least explored – which means you can expect secluded sandy beaches and a low-key, laidback atmosphere that’ll make the pressures of everyday life feel worlds away. Packing an incredible amount of variety into an incredibly small space, this is a place where you can venture up into tiny high-flung mountain villages or laze on an endless chain of silky sand beaches away from the madding tourist crowds.

8.  Corfu

Italianate villages, ornate palaces and romantic beaches are on the cards if you visit the lush island where the Durrell family once lived. With its sundry influences left by past invaders,  Corfu  is a place where you can drink ginger ale with your Greek salad, stroll streets packed with Byzantine and Venetian architecture and meet modern-day monks in Paleokastritsa’s spectacular medieval monastery. And after a hard day’s sightseeing and stuffing your face, you’ll obviously want to jump straight into the Ionian Sea – never not a stunning shade of turquoise blue.

Discover Corfu:

📍  The best things to do on Corfu

9.  Rhodes

Way back when – and we’re talking way, way back –  Rhodes  was home to the Colossus, one of the world’s Seven Wonders. An earthquake may have destroyed that ol’ thing in 226BBC, but the island’s Unesco world heritage-classed old town is still steeped in charm and history – thanks to a series of dazzling topsy-turvy medieval inns and fourteenth-century knight’s houses that stand to this day. Head outside the city, and the mountain villages and cliff-top towns you’ll come across are just as magical as any fairytale location. And with plenty of chic shops, decent restaurants and lively bars, you’re guaranteed some modern magic, too.

Discover Rhodes:

📍  The best things to do in Rhodes 🏨  Amazing hotels in Rhodes

10.  Kastellorizo

At the edge of Greece, right opposite the Turkish coastal town of Kaş, you'll find Kastellorizo (aka Megisti), the island furthest from the Greek capital. It's a flight or a boat ride away from the island of Rhodes in Dodecanese, and though it's a bit of a journey to the island, it's absolutely worth it. This is a remote paradise with colourful buildings, seafood for days and seriously chilled out vibes. Plus, it has a fascinating history – make sure to visit the castle of the Knights Hospitaller overlooking the Aegean Sea, and the glorious 4 th century BC Lycian tomb below it. The fort-monastery of Agios Georgios of the Mountain also boasts one of the best views on the island (you just need to get up 315 steps first).

11.  Thessaloniki

Once the second city of the Byzantine Empire – and later a thriving Ottoman port city connecting east and west – Thessaloniki has only been part of Greece since 1912. And that really shows. This place doesn’t feel like Greece you see in tourist brochures: its central market, Kapani, has all the colour and chaos of an Istanbul bazaar, and much Ottoman architecture remains throughout the city centre – you can even visit the house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey, was born. The harbourside Ladadika area hums with some of the wildest, most fun nightlife in the Balkan peninsula, with most bars and clubs open until 6am and beyond. The old town is perfect for the aimless morning-after mooch – and the ouzo and  bougatsa  breakfast pastries in these parts are unrivalled.

12.  Kalamata

The city of Kalamata in the Peloponnese is home to the ancient ruins of Messenia, the picturesque Navarino Lagoon beach, and also those very famous olives you may recognise the name from. Few tourists venture to these parts, which is great news for you. To explore the wider region, base yourself at the Ant Farm – a beautiful farmhouse just outside the city, where you can stay in one of ten treehouses nestled within the olive trees.

13.  Mykonos

Dubbed the ‘Greek Ibiza’,  Mykonos  is where you’ll find world-famous DJs headlining superclubs while a jet-set crowd mingle on yachts and private jets. But this Cyclades island is not just for the uber-privileged: there are plenty of cute hotels, affordable gourmet restaurants and quiet corners still relatively untouched by the tourism industry. So when you’re done hanging out at the beach clubs and traditional tavernas, just follow the tangled web of dirt-smattered backroads – chances are, there’ll be a heavenly beach waiting at the end.

Discover Mykonos: 📍  The best things to do in Mykonos 🏨 Amazing hotels in Mykonos

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Greece in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

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Santorini, Greece

May is the heart of spring in Greece and the following information will share ideas and insights on the weather, the best places to visit, and the top experiences you can have when traveling during the month.

Whether you want to enjoy the start of resort season on the bright Mediterranean islands or travel the countryside to view the blossoming wildflowers, May is a fantastic time to visit Greece.

We share the ideal places to relax, discover, or explore during your Greece tour in May, as well as what weather to anticipate and the activities you can enjoy on your trip.

Weather in Greece in May

Where to go in greece in may, what to do in greece in may, plan your trip to greece in may.

Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece

Average Temperatures in Athens, Greece: 81°F High • 64°F Low

The weather in Greece in May is pleasant, with mild temperatures and sunny conditions making it an ideal time to visit in spring. Temperatures average around 70°F across most of the country, making May a fantastic time to visit the Greek islands as it is not too hot that spending time on the beaches becomes uncomfortable.

The Aegean Islands and coastal areas like Athens see daily highs up to 81°F. It's slightly cooler in the north and at higher elevations, with Thessaloniki and other northern cities reaching highs in the upper 60s F. There is very little rain in May, and though afternoon showers occasionally occur, the frequent clear skies make May arguably the best month for exploring Greece.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

The Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

Athens • Best Place for Great Weather

Athens is an excellent destination in May to take advantage of its ideal springtime weather. As the capital and a coastal city, it sees warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. Rain is unlikely, with only a couple of days during the month typically seeing any precipitation.

With comfortable conditions, you can visit the Acropolis and other famous sites without dealing with summer heat or crowds. The pleasant weather also makes exploring the lively neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Plaka on foot comfortable. Athens' nearby beaches become inviting in May as well. It's warm enough for swimming and sunbathing during the long days.

From cultural sites to urban explorations and wandering the coast, Athens offers a variety that's best experienced with the city's great spring weather.

Learn more: Athens and Santorini Vacation Packages & Tours

Crete • Best Place for Families with Children

The island of Crete is a top pick for families visiting Greece in May thanks to its range of kid-friendly activities and weather that’s ideal for the outdoors. The temperatures allow for time at the beach without getting too hot. And there are ample sunny days to experience Crete’s family-oriented activities.

With cultural sites like the Palace of Knossos along with outdoor pursuits like hiking and biking, parents can easily balance education and adventure. The towns of Chania and Rethymno are very walkable and filled with ice cream shops and cafés to please little ones. May also brings Crete’s average rainfall down making outdoor plans reliable.

Learn more: Greece Family Vacations & Tour Packages

Santorini • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

The island of Santorini shines as a romantic destination in May when you can enjoy its iconic scenery without peak season crowds. The temperatures create pleasant days to take in the dazzling views across its caldera and whitewashed villages. With limited rainfall, you can witness Santorini’s famous sunsets over the blue Aegean Sea on most evenings.

During May, the slopes come alive with colorful wildflowers adding to the island’s beauty. With fewer crowds, you and your loved one can unwind at quieter cafés and boutique wineries. Strolling the streets of Oia and Fira also becomes more relaxed. Santorini in May allows you to immerse yourself in its romantic setting minus the peak season buzz.

Learn more: Santorini Vacations, Tours & Trips

Rhodes • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

The island of Rhodes provides a more peaceful Greek island escape in May before the summer crowds arrive. The pleasant springtime weather and limited rainfall make it ideal for sightseeing without large crowds.

Rhodes Town transports visitors back to medieval times with its walled old town and imposing Palace of the Grand Master. You can wander its cobbled lanes and stop tavernas at a leisurely pace. The island's villages like Lindos also take on a more relaxed atmosphere in May. Rhodes' beaches are less packed, allowing you to enjoy swimming and sunbathing with plenty of space.

Learn more: Rhodes Vacations, Tours & Itineraries

Naxos, Greece

Follow the Stories of Greek Mythology

Tracing the myths and legends of Ancient Greece provides a fascinating lens through which to explore the country. With pleasant May weather, you can comfortably visit the ancient sites featured in these iconic tales.

In Athens, retrace the Minotaur myth at the Palace of Knossos in Crete or explore the landscape where Icarus once flew too close to the sun on the island of Naxos. At the Acropolis, stand upon the hill where Athena battled Poseidon. See the sanctuary of Delphi where Oedipus learned of his fate, or travel to the Oracle at Delos. Mt. Olympus is another mythical site where you can follow in the footsteps of Greek gods.

From the temples of Athens to the islands dotting the seas, Greece's ruins and natural landmarks will bring the rich stories of Greek mythology to life.

Sample the Flavors of Traditional Greek Cuisine

Greece is a feast for the senses, especially the taste buds. The warm days of spring make May an ideal time to savor the bright, fresh flavors of authentic Greek cuisine.

Indulge in meze, like juicy grilled octopus drizzled with lemon and olive oil, or a classic Greek salad bursting with tomatoes, feta, onions, and olives. Order the catch of the day simply grilled at a seaside taverna or handmade dolmades stuffed with rice and herbs. Whip up a batch of tzatziki dip or spanakopita spun from flaky layers of phyllo.

From rustic tavernas in the countryside to upscale restaurants in cities like Athens, Greece offers a culinary journey across its islands and mainland.

Sail between the Greek Islands

For many, sailing through the Greek islands is the quintessential experience. With 3,000 islands dotting the seas, you could spend weeks hopping across the Aegean. May brings ideal conditions for island-hopping under the sails with few rainy days, light winds, and comfortable temperatures.

Cruise to sunny Santorini, lively Mykonos, historic Delos, and more. Spend the days swimming in emerald coves, strolling whitewashed villages, or hiking volcanic cliffs. Then return at night to your boat, falling asleep to gentle ocean waves. For the ultimate sailing adventure, charter a boat to follow routes like the Cyclades to explore these famous islands at your own pace.

Poros, Greece

Whether looking for a seven-day Greece trip or the perfect way to spend 12 days in Greece , May acts as the opening of resort season while still seeing fewer crowds. As the spring edges into summer, you can find inspiration for your personalized trip with our Greece tours and vacations .

For more ideas and information to help guide your planning, discover our Greece travel guide before speaking to a local travel specialist who can help customize your experience to your interests and needs.

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Spring Sunshine: The 5 Best Greek Islands to Visit in May

The best Greek islands to visit in May tend to be the more southerly in the country. That’s the part of Greece that warms up fastest as the winter recedes and cools down the latest when autumn approaches. But they aren’t the only options…

This list of five fantastic rocks in the seas of the Aegean also takes in the bucket-list draws of islands like Santorini and Mykonos; places that are best visited in the shoulder seasons if only to escape the crowds. Choosing those for the spring means you’ll get to wander idyllic whitewashed villages and wonder at UNESCO-tagged historic sites without having to jostle with crowds of camera-snapping visitors.

Generally speaking, we’d say that May is a fantastic time to explore this corner of southern Europe. It’s not quite as balmy as the peak summer months, but when said peak summer months can see temperatures topping 105 F (40 C), that’s not such a bad thing. May is also when the Greek beaches really start to shine, as the water warms and the rains drop away to allow for long tanning sessions. So, grab the sunscreen, let’s go…

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Crete is just about the perfect Greek island to visit in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. The reason? It’s the furthest south of all the islands in the land of feta and moussaka, meaning it tends to get hotter earlier on in the year and stay hotter a little later.

And there’s more…Crete gets whacked by some pretty strong northern winds, known as Meltemi winds, in the middle of the summer months. They can be very blustery – like, blustery enough to knock over you Mythos beer by the poolside. Not good.

May is the perfect month for dodging both winds and catching the first uptick in the thermometer readings down in Crete. We’ve even been in early May before and spent day after day lazing on the sands of Chania – check out Falasarna Beach and Elafonisi for two of the very best options there!

The other thing we love about an early-season trip here is the fact that the nature trails are probably at their finest. Crete is arguably the best of all the Greek isles for hikers , since it’s got 2,400-meter-high mountains at its center and goat-stalked gorges like Samaria carving out its southern shores. It’s simply too hot (or windy) to conquer those in June or July. Not so in May.

Hydra is a member of the wonderful Saronic Gulf islands . They’re super-close to Athens, dotting the waters to the west and south of the big city. That means two things. First, they’re easy to get to after jetting into the capital. Second, they’re very popular with locals looking to escape the heat of the metropolis come the summer months.

May time is a sweet spot in the Saronic region. People in Athens aren’t sweating quite enough to warrant a trip out this way, the yachters haven’t descended en masse, but the weather tends to be balmy, clear, and crisp.

Hydra without the crowds is a beautiful, beautiful thing. This moody island has no cars, just donkeys. It’s a rugged, elongated rock, fringed by coves of pebbles that offer some of the clearest swimming waters this side of the Maldives. On higher ground, you can hike (and May is PERFECT for hiking) to the summit of Mount Eros to view the wide, open Aegean and visit the mystical Profitis Ilias Monastery.

There’s plenty to be said for simply sticking to Hydra Town, though. Artists and thinkers and musicians a la Leonard Cohen have come and gone from there over the decades, drawing inspiration from the echoing alleys and the church-topped streets. In mid spring, it’s a charming place to sip cold cocktails at sunset bars and enjoy long lunches on the marina side.

Everyone should see Santorini at least once in their life! Seriously – this is the bucket-list member of the Cyclades chain. Just think: A whole collapsed volcano that’s now flooded with the sky-blue waters of the Aegean Sea and topped with whitewashed villages that have luxury cave hotels. It’s proper travel-brochure fodder.

Sadly, the unique draws of Santorini have proved to be both a blessing and a curse. These days, this eye-wateringly wonderful island is positively packed to bursting with people. They not only clog up the lookout points and caldera-side hiking trails, but also crank up the prices to the point where it’s sort of normal to pay $250 a night for a midrange hotel. Yikes!

Thankfully, things aren’t quite that bad in May. Before the holidays start in earnest and the hordes of island hoppers hit the Greek seas, Santorini sees just a fraction of the visitor numbers it sees in June, July, and August. But the weather is still decent, and all the tour operators offering boat trips around the rugged coast should be open for business.

There’s also another kicker here, because Santorini is just about the perfect starting point for launching longer island-hopping trips . It’s right at the southern end of the Cyclades region and acts as a sort of unofficial island hub for the destinations there. Hop on a boat and you can be in Mykonos, in Milos, in Naxos, all in just two or three hours tops.

Ah, Mykonos – party, laze, party some more, sunsets you’ll never forget. Such is the routine on this happy-go-lucky island in the midst of the central Aegean. But Mykonos isn’t all hedonism, you know? The island hides UNESCO-tagged ancient history sites and some very secret beaches that hardly a soul will visit, all of which are best seen before the party season kicks in earnest.

So, plan a jaunt from here to Delos . It’s the tiny, pint-sized isle that’s right next door. Boats go every single day from the main harbor from May onwards, whisking visitors over the strait to see the ruins of an ancient sanctuary and treasury that was one of the starting points of the Athenian Empire.

Then there are the beaches. The south coast is livelier and more built up, but still relatively tame in May. You can share sand space with A-list celebs by choosing Psarrou or Ornos, both wispy, white coves with turquoise waters. That said, we still prefer the more feral bays of Ftelias and Agios Sostis up on the north coast.

Mykonos is also a great choice because it’s one of the best-connected islands in the Aegean. Ferries link it to just about every other major port in the Cyclades, and to the capital in Athens. It boasts its own airport, too, which has seasonal connections that tend to begin around the first of May or in late April each year.

Aside from Crete, Kos is likely to be the hottest island in Greece come May. It’s not unusual for thermometers to push past 75 degrees here in the middle of spring, and the locals even talk of occasional highs closer to the top end of the 80s! The stats show that rainfall also dips to a sixth of what it was only the month before, so there’s barely a drop of the wet stuff to contend with.

Kos gets its balmy climate and low rainfall from the fact that it’s tucked deep into the eastern Aegean. It’s nearer to the Turkish coast than it is to Athens, and further south than the vast majority of the Cyclades and the Ionian Islands.

The location also gives the island a unique cultural makeup – you’ll notice Turkic influences in the mezze dishes (wrapped vine leaves, hummus, and more) and get to see Game of Thrones­ -worthy historical sites like the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a onetime base for Crusaders bound for the Holy Land.

Assuming – like us – you’re a bit more interested in the beaches than the history sites, we’ll say this: Kos has LOADS to keep you going. The south shoreline is the most popular. It’s home to ridiculously gorgeous inlets like Anthony Quinn Bay, where you can snorkel with parrotfish between the rocks, and the long sweep of Lindos Beach. Up north, things are wilder and quieter, with cliff-backed bays like Κοpria and Glifada coming up trumps.

The best Greek islands to visit in May – our verdict

Those looking for the best Greek islands to visit in May won’t need to look too hard. This part of Europe is riddled with fantastic springtime destinations that get bathed in high temps the moment April’s in the dust. The farthest south in the country are the hottest of all in May time. Those include Crete and Kos, where it’s possible to be in full beach mode by the first of the month. Further north, it’s mainly about escaping the crowds, to see epic isles like Santorini and Hydra without the high prices and over-busy historical sites.

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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Search your next destination..., ☞ table of contents:, things to do, events & festivals in may, average weather temperatures for may.

Another island that you may prefer to visit in May before the crowds arrive, is the beautiful Santorini of course. This unique island combines volcanic soil, and exceptional local delicacies, such as capers, local cheese and white eggplants.

But the views are what most people travel far and wide to see. If you chose to travel to Greece in May you will be able to enjoy the scenery during the quieter months!

Water temperatures are tolerable for anyone used to swimming in the big wide ocean, instead of the shallow and warmer waters of the Mediterranean. In addition, in case of rainy days, the wealth of activities to do around the island should allow for a fun and memorable holiday.

A cooking class could be one of the activities you arrange. It will allow you a deeper understanding of the people, culture and cuisine and you will definitely leave with a happy heart and a heavy belly full of food.

In Santorini, we recommend Petra Kouzina or “Stone Kitchen” as is translated, which is an accurate description of the 1950’s restored “Cave House” that preserves the traditional architecture of the island and where this cooking experience takes place. Guests are invited to take part in the preparation and tasting of a traditional Greek meal in a fun and cozy home environment and there is even a recipe book to take home at the end.

The local wine varieties on the island, like Assyrtiko, have evolved in taste, in part due to the cultivation practices that allow it to withstand the harsh winds. You will find most vines tucked close to the ground, in small circular nest formations where the grapes can stay hidden.

If you are a fan of dessert wine, head straight into one of the many wineries and enjoy a decadent cheese platter with a side of the local Vinsanto. The intense, constant heat throughout spring and summer produces grapes that are turned into a gloriously and lavishly sweet dessert wine, that I personally cannot resist!

21st May Mykonos

29 th may santorini.

May is generally a very pleasant month, wherever you travel within Greece. Crete and the southern islands will be considerably warmer though, especially in sea temperatures.

Bring a light jacket and closed shoes to stay warm from the breeze in the islands and if you are considering heading up to the mountains for nature walks and exploring.

*Disclaimer: This page includes affiliate links. If you decide to book something through one of them, I might get a little bonus, but it won't cost you anything extra.*

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The Best Greek Islands to visit in May

D uring May the weather in Greece is not as hot as during Summer months and not as cold as during winter. It is just perfect.

Agios Nikolaos, Crete Photo Credit: Radek Kucharski

Crete is the largest and most southerly island of Greece. It has rugged mountain ranges stretching from east to west with gorges and coves, where you can take a hiking excursion in Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge of nearly 16km. Steep yourself in history by visiting Knossos, the capital of the Minoan civilization, and walk through the palaces where legend has it that Theseus killed the Minotaur. Visit the Archeological Museum and the fortress of Koules in Herakleion, saunter through the old Venetian Quarter and port of Chania with its lighthouse, and walk around Fortetzza, the Venetian fort of Rethymnon to get a feel of the history of the island. Some of the best beaches include Elounda, Balos Lagoon perhaps the most photographed spot in Crete, the paradise of Elafonissi with its pink sand, Vai beach with its palm forest, Chrissi Island and the 60’s hippies hub of Matala. Don’t miss the chance to visit the island of Spinalonga, off the coast of Elounda, which used to be a leper colony until 1957 and is now a preserved site. And no trip would be complete without the culinary experience which includes tsikoudia or raki (local spirit), dakos or hard rusk, tomato and white cheese salad, stamnagathi or local greens’ salad with olive oil, snails in different sauces and sfakianes or cheese pies, along with the local wines.

Rhodes Photo Credit: Andrey Filippov 安德烈

The ‘Island of the Knights,’ Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and abounds in beaches, wooded valleys and is steeped in ancient and medieval history. The Old Town of Rhodes is considered to be the best preserved medieval settlement and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobbled streets takes you through the Knights’ Quarters with the Streets of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, the 15 th century Knights’ Hospital that now houses the Archeological Museum, mosques, hammams, a 3 rd century BC Temple of Aphrodite and a Clock Tower. At the junction of the Old and new town lies the port of Mandraki with its 2 columns of bronze at the mouth of the harbor, on which are the statues of a stag and doe, the emblems of the island. It is said, that on this very site, stood the 33 meter high bronze statue of Helios. The Sun God or Colossus of Rhodes, which was one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. One of the iconic buildings of the island is the Rhodes casino housed in the famous and impressive Grande Albergo delle Rose. Lindos village on the east coast with its ancient acropolis, white houses and turquoise bay and the Valley of Butterflies whose trees attracts butterflies from June to September are among the most popular destinations as are the beaches of Prasonissi for windsurfing, Tsambika with its monastery and Anthony Quinn beach for snorkeling. A short boat ride away is the picturesque island of Symi with its colorful neo-classical houses.

Corfu Photo Credit: Andrea Tosatto

Corfu or Kerkyra as it is known in Greece, is the second largest island on the Ionian Sea and also the greenest in Greece. The World Heritage Old Town of Corfu City is guarded by 2 Venetian fortresses. The Old Fortress was built by the Venetians in the 15 th Century, though nothing remains of the original buildings while the new fortress, built two centuries later, stands on two levels, surrounded by a deep moat . Between the old fortress and the Old Town is the Esplanade, a long, tree-lined green square and the Liston, an elegant arcade from the French period, a popular spot for coffee or drinks. The main square of Corfu Town is the largest in Greece and is surrounded by the Old Fortress, Liston and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George which now houses the Museum of Asian art. Also of note is the Church of St. Spyridon built in 1580 with its Renaissance bell tower. On an elevated setting 10 km from Corfu Town is the Achilleion, the summer palace of the Empress of Austria Elisabeth with its vast gardens, colonnades, fountains and statues. Mount Pantokrator in the north of the island,is Corfu’s highest peak at above 906 meters and has a 17 th century monastery and café at the top. On the northwestern coast is Paliokastritsa, a popular resort with high cliffs, coves and the 13 th century Monastery. There is a beach east of the Monastery with soft golden sand with rocky side slopes. The beaches of Canal d’amour with its narrow channel between rocks, Issos Beach in the south and Mirtiotissa Beach are among the more popular for swimming.

Tinos used to be mainly a religious destination in the past with visitors flocking to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria with its miraculous icon on Assumption Day. It continues to be an important pilgrimage site but in recent years, it has developed into a major tourist hub. With  its 50-odd traditional villages, each with its character and traditions, the folk architecture of the dove cotes or pigeon houses scattered all over the island, the marble-sculpting tradition, beaches and gastronomic wealth, this Cycladic island has developed into a league of its own. Since 2015, each spring, the Tinos Foodpath gathers chefs and cooks together for the preparation of traditional and innovative recipes using local produce which are then offered to visitors. Also in 2012, the Cyclades Microbrewery created the island’s own beer, Nissos.  Mount Exomvourgo standing at 640 meters, a major landmark that can be seen from almost everywhere, its Greek Orthodox and Catholic monasteries, churches, many beaches and natural beauty makes Tinos a special island to visit.

Naxos Island Photo Credit: Random_fotos

The biggest and greenest island of the Cyclades, Naxos, with its sandy beaches, beautiful mountain villages, Venetian fortresses and agricultural products such as cheese, potatoes and the citrus liqueur Kitro, is a popular destination. As you approach the island, you are greeted by its iconic landmark of Portara, the large marble gate which is an ideal site to watch magical sunsets. The picturesque town of Chora with its maze of narrow streets, alleys and passages, excellent taverns, shops and the medieval Castle above the town are sure to captivate you. Naxos is famous for its long, sandy beaches  such as the 1,5 km long Agios Prokopios and Mikri Vigla with its windswept beach ideal for wind and kite surfing. Mount Zas, the highest peak is ideal for trekking in the spring with wild flowers and herbs lining the various hiking trails. In the green mountains, be sure to visit the villages of Apiranthos with its stone-built houses and beautiful squares, Filoti, built on a rock and Sagri with its Venetian Towers, windmills and Byzantine churches.

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15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Greece

From charming beach towns to idyllic islands, these places to visit in Greece are all the vacation inspiration you need.

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Let’s make one thing clear: No matter where you go in Greece , you’ll have a good time. The Mediterranean nation is filled with spectacular places to explore, from its historically rich cities to its charming inland towns, and, of course, across its famed islands . But if you need a little help narrowing down where to go next, here are 15 best places to visit in Greece. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

As both Greece’s capital and the nation’s largest city, Athens deserves at least a day or two of exploration. Visitors can head to popular attractions like the  Acropolis and Parthenon, but more modern neighborhoods like Exarchia, known for its bohemian flair, are worth checking out, too.

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There are hundreds of Greek islands to choose from, but one gaining more attention by the minute is the positively quaint Milos . Accessible via direct flights from Athens, this island is the place to go for total rest and relaxation. Come to explore desolate beaches tucked in between craggy cliffs, dine on octopus in cafes that are sprinkled across the island, and enjoy quiet evenings sipping local wine while watching the sun dip into the azure waters.

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Looking for a more lively atmosphere? Head to Mykonos, an island known for always being a good time. Also accessible via direct flights from Athens, Mykonos is the place to be during the summer for beachside parties that stretch long into the night (and often into the next day, too). Of course, there’s more to the island than just parties. It's home to its fair share of gorgeous beaches and historical sites, including Kato Mili, a row of four massive windmills built by the Venetians in the 16th century.

Stefan Cristian Cioata/Getty Images

History buffs will love the town of Delphi, located about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of Athens. The community was home to the Oracle of Delphi , which people from all over the Mediterranean traveled to see. Here, visitors can still explore the Temple of Apollo's remains, along with several ancient theaters and stadiums preserved through the millennia.

Admire waters a shade of blue you never knew existed in the Halkidiki region, located in northern Greece. This area is best known for its gorgeous beaches, which come with equally alluring soft sand, so you can lounge about all day.

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Find even more historical delights, visit Epidaurus, at the northeastern end of the Peloponnese. It’s beloved by archeology buffs for its Ancient Theatre , built in the fourth century B.C. to honor the god of medicine, Asclepius. And its still a place where visitors can watch live performances in the summer.

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The seaside community of Gythio is admittedly quiet, but it's by far one of the best places to visit when you need to get away from it all. Filled with colorful homes and golden-sand beaches, Gythio is also favored for its sea turtles that come and lay their eggs.

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For unbelievable views, pay a visit to Meteora, located in Thessaly. The area is made up of massive rock formations reaching toward the sky. Inside the gorgeous formations sit several monasteries , which made their way onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

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Sifnos, a small island reachable by ferry from Athens, is another spot known for its relaxing atmosphere. Plus, it's filled with so many beaches, you can find a large patch of sandy shoreline all for yourself, even in the height of summer.

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Mix in island time with a quick geology lesson on Kefalonia. The island, located west of the mainland, is home to the Drogarati Cave , which comes with awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites hanging off the ceiling and jutting out from the sea floor, respectively.

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Want to get a taste of Italy and Greece all in one go? Make your way to the stunning, romantic island of Corfu. Thanks to its proximity to its neighboring European nation, the island comes with plenty of Italian influence, reflected in its architecture, food, and way of life.

Thessaloniki

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Find an urban escape in northern Greece with a visit to Thessaloniki. This port city is filled with historic sites like the White Tower of Thessaloniki and Arch of Galerius, along with world-class restaurants and contemporary art museums that will leave you inspired.

Messolonghi

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Get a different sea view in Messolonghi, located on the western coast of Greece. This town sits on a serene sea lake, with many who live here still making a living off fishing in the area. And though the town has great historical significance (especially around the Greek Revolution), it’s still an under-the-radar gem for international tourists.

Make one more historic stop at Olympia , this time for a lesson in sports history. Located on the western side of the Peloponnese, Olympia was the site of the very first Olympic Games. Visitors can visit the ancient stadium and the temples of Zeus and Hera all in one trip.

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Head to the eastern Peloponnese to the beautiful city of Nafplio. As Visit Greece explains, the myth behind the town is that it was founded by Nafplios, the son of Poseidon. Today, it's filled with ancient sites, including monuments and castles galore, all worthy of exploring on your next Greek vacation. Get packing !

Woman&Home

Best places to visit in Greece - the destinations loved by experts, locals and tourists

Posted: May 21, 2023 | Last updated: August 4, 2023

Choosing the best places to visit in Greece is an almost impossible task. Home to hundreds of islands, buzzing metropolitan cities steeped in history and culture, and a coastline that spans almost 16,000km, the country truly has something for everyone. 

If you’re looking for one of the best European city breaks, you could start with Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization. Nowadays it’s a city of contrasts where you’ll find archaeological sites nestled next to lively coffee shops, market stalls and cocktail bars. Or you could head to the best Greek islands, all possessing their own unique charm, cuisine, and exquisite scenery. Then there’s everything in-between: the mountainous landscapes, towering cliffs, and endless beaches that you’ll find across the country. 

As someone who's traveled around Greece for the last decade, with a short stint of living in it, I like to think I have my finger on the pulse of the best places to visit. But just to be sure, I've also enlisted the help of my Greek friends and family members to cover a mixture of destinations - from some of the best islands in Europe, to accessible areas of the mainland. Whether you’re looking for sun, sea, sand, culture, or a buzzing culinary experience, as one of the best places to visit in Europe, Greece can satiate all these desires. 

BY ANNA PAUL

No trip to Greece would be complete without a trip to its capital, Athens. A sprawling, modern metropolis overlooked by the Acropolis, a citadel that's sat on top of a rocky outcrop since 5th century BC. Even if you're not interested in history, it's hard not to marvel at the ancient Greek monumental complex, which can be seen from virtually every corner of the city. In the summer months, you can also attend concerts, opera and theatre performances at Odeon Herodes Atticus, the ancient theatre perched on the Acropolis. It's a true bucket list experience. Once you've scaled the heights of the Acropolis, head down to check out the museum which details the history of the site and the city as a whole. 

Next, head down to the heart of Athens, starting with Monisteraki and its buzzing street stalls and tavernas. If you're after street food, head to Kosta's Souvlaki where you can grab a pitta filled with pork, beef or chicken with onion, tomato and Kostas 'secret' tomato sauce. If you want to sit down with the locals for a meal (or just impress your friends with your insider knowledge), head to Avli, a rustic taverna that you can access via an unmarked door at Agiou Dimitriou 12. Once you find the door - which admittedly can be hard - you'll find a lively yard packed with small tables, delicious meals, jugs of local wine and live music. 

For fine dining, head to Hytra, a Michelin star restaurant in Koukaki - a creative neighborhood, located in the shadow of the Acropolis. Enjoy the 11-course tasting menu which takes reimagines traditional Greek recipes, re-creating them with freshly sourced raw materials. If the food wasn't enough to convince you, the panoramic view of the Acropolis will be. Head there at sunset for some truly breathtaking views. 

Then there are the bars and coffee shops, of which Athens has many. Go to Minu in Psyrri, a minimalistic haven where you can buy mood-boosting plants and handcrafted homeware, or simply sip your coffee and take in the urban oasis. Stay in Psyrri which is packed with cocktail bars (we recommend Juan Rodriguez but you have plenty to choose from).  

Top tip: Download 'Beat' - Greece's answer to Uber. Most of the city's yellow taxis operate with the app but prices are far lower (and language barriers kept to a minimum).

Eschew some of the more popular islands and head to Milos for a truly romantic holiday. Accessible via a short flight from Athens or a ferry ride from the popular islands of Santorini, Paros or and Mykonos, this unique island is worth adding to any travel-hopping itinerary. 

The volcanic island in the Aegean sea has been growing in popularity over recent years but it still remains unblemished by swelling tourism. Brimming with beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, it offers everything you’d expect from a Greek Island. But the truly unique thing about Milos is its spell-binding lunar landscapes. Its chalk-white cliffs overlooking the azure-blue ocean feel (quite literally) other-worldly. Sarakiniko Beach boasts white rock formations which have smoothed and shaped over time, giving you the sensation you’re walking on the moon. For a truly unique experience, head to the beach before 8am and immerse yourself in the vast, chalky landscape. Drink in the view of the white-bone moonscapes, then jump into the azure sea below. The beach doesn’t offer much natural shade so if you want to avoid the hottest time of the day, plan to go to the beach for the sunset. We recommend traveling in May or early June. August is hot - and windy, which makes swimming difficult. 

There is no public transport operating to the beach, so think about renting a car, scooter, or ATV. The beach is around 10 minutes from Adamas and Plaka so taxis are also reasonable.

Top tip: There are no restaurants or bars at Sarakiniko beach, so come ready with water and food. It’s not far from nearby towns but you will have to hop in the car to get there. Be braced: there are also no public toilets. 

3. Zakynthos

Zakynthos island is known for its wild nightlife, but don't be deterred by its party reputation, as the island offers so much more. Its airport is small but extremely well-served, meaning you can often take advantage of holiday deals on offer. 

Once again, renting a car is advisable to really scale the island and experience its breathtaking views in their full glory. But if you can't, consider staying in Zante Town - the island's capital, where the central bus station is located. Full of picturesque Venetian-style houses and buildings, the town is the cultural hub of the island. But to really immerse yourself in the island culture, head to Vasilikos, the village and community which is located around 15 kilometers south of the town. This part of the island is decidedly sleepy, making it one of the best European vacations for families but solo travelers or couples would enjoy it just as much. While away the day on Gerakas Beach, a long, golden beach on the southern tip of the peninsula, home to the famous Loggerhead Turtles who nest in protected areas of the beaches. Banana beach, the biggest beach on the island is also located nearby. A long, wide beach with sparkling and shallow waters, you can also take part in an array of watersports here. 

If you have a car, take a 15-minute ride to Porto Mela, a taverna perched on Dafni beach that serves up all the favorites plus a selection of fresh seafood. If you're feeling adventurous, try rabbit in red sauce (kouneli stifado) - one of the island's signature dishes. Like most Greek cuisine, it's delicious, messy, and entirely unpretentious. Most restaurants will have different stifado options with other meats on offer too. Wash it down with a carafe of local wine - the island is home to many large vineyards and it's common for families to produce their own.

Top tip: While the south is rich with nature, beaches, and cuisine, don't leave Zante before visiting the north end of the island where the famous Navagia beach is located. Otherwise known as shipwreck beach, the remains of the MV Panagiotis ship have been planted on the white sand since the ship sunk in 1982. It's accessible only by boat, but avoid booking a boat to specifically go there - instead find an itinerary that includes Navagia beach as part of an island tour. In most cases, you'll pay the same price but see multiple destinations. 

4. Kalamata

You might know the name thanks to Kalamata's famous olives, but the capital of Messinia offers plenty more than just that. A pit stop for some of the best cruises and served by many major airlines, Kalamata is a seriously underrated holiday destination. Located 2.5 hours away from the capital, it's a popular hotspot for Athenians and other Greek tourists but it's still completely unspoiled by the swarms of international tourists. Make no mistake though - this is a city built for tourism, with luxury resorts, fine cuisine, and endless beaches. By summer, the beachfront is the place to be, lined with restaurants and beach bars that stay open until the early hours. In winter, the picturesque old town livens up. You can visit the castle or the archaeological museum but the best thing to do in Kalamata is just to do nothing at all and spend days wandering between beach bars, tavernas and dipping in the crystal blue water. There are endless sandy and pebbled beaches along the coastline which progressively get quieter and quieter as you edge away from the main marina.

You're spoilt for choices when it comes to cuisine, but pay a visit to the taverna of Kosta Vassiliadis (Stou Kosta). Regularly featured in top restaurant guides, everything is local and everything is fresh - from the meat, to fish to the verdant salads. The taverna is relatively hard to find unless you have a GPS but that doesn't deter the crowds: it's always packed - and for a reason. Expect to see Kostas floating from table to table chatting to everyone and introducing the food. As all the best tavernas do, they offer their own twist on the classics. The moussaka here is made with finely sliced veal instead of minced meat, layered on top of sliced aubergines and finished with a bechamel sauce. To sample the best local wares though, let your server choose your dishes for you. It goes without saying, too, that you need to sample the local olives when you're there.  

The pace of life is slow in Kalamata but it has a lively nightlife. In the center, enjoy a perfectly mixed cocktail in Luna Loungeor local favorite, Bistroteca. The city can be enjoyed by all ages, making it one of best vacations for over 60s and families alike.

Top tip: Take a day trip to the village of Kardamylli, under one hour away from Kalamata. The sleepy village sits below the Taygetos Mountains so is ripe for hiking, but you'll get equal pleasure just taking in the charm of the settings. The drive through the narrow, sloping mountains is picturesque and relatively short but is admittedly quite terrifying if you're not used to Greek roads. During the summer season, buses run approximately three times a day.

5. Santorini

No list of the best places to visit in Greece would be complete without mentioning Santorini. Probably the most famous Greek island, Santorini is one of the top summer destinations worldwide and home to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. The island gets extremely busy during the peak summer months, making it one of the best places to visit in September or between March and April when it's marginally quieter. 

The windswept volcanic island is known for its whitewashed cubiform houses and mesmerizing sunsets. For the best viewpoint, close your day in the picturesque village of Oia. As one of the most photographed islands, you might feel as though you've already seen the Santorini blue domed churches, and volcanic coves - but experiencing it firsthand is an entirely different experience. As with everywhere in Greece, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to food. Try domatokeftedhes - tomato fritters made with sun-blushed Santorini tomatoes. Wash them down with a glass of Assyrtiko wine from one of the island's 20+ wineries. The microclimate of the island provides a fertile environment for the rare, high-acidity grape. 

Top tip: Consider finding a private tour guide - not only can they give you insider tips but they can help you navigate the island's winding vistas. More crucially, they'll know the best routes to avoid crowds. 

One of the best off-the-beaten-track islands in the Eastern Aegean, Ikaria is an unpretentious and relaxed island, nestled between Mykonos and Samos. It got its name from Icarus, the son of Daedalus, who against his father's command, flew too close to the sun and fell into the sea near the island. With its beautiful beaches, endlessly friendly locals, brilliant local fare and healing thermal waters, it's not the worst place to land.

Despite its laid-back vibes, it's an energetic and vibrant island with a lively nightlife and feasts and all-ages parties that wage on until the early hours. As well as these parties, often thrown to mark religious celebrations (of which there are many), the island is also home to an international music festival, Ikaria festival as well as an annual international chess festival. Then of course there are its beaches; Seychelles Beach easily rivals the beauty of the beaches in its namesake, while Therma beach boasts mineral-rich hot springs. It's no wonder the locals are reportedly famous for their long and healthy lifespans. Speaking of which, don't leave the island without trying pefkomelo, the local pine honey. 

Top tip: Look out for a Panigiri while you're there, or try to plan around one. These are traditional feast days and celebrations that start in the afternoon and last until the morning, marking Saint's name days or other religious holidays. People travel from around the country to attend these and the celebrations can be large-scale with hundreds (or even thousands) of people. Expect lots of food, dancing and general joviality. 

Mykonos is known for its dry and windy climate, windmills, white streets, beautiful beaches - and of course, its nightlife. Despite its party reputation, however, the island caters to all interests and ages. Packed with luxury villas, hotels and premium restaurants, it's undoubtedly the best island for celebrity spotting and real VIP treatment. Start your day people-watching in the old town of Chora with a coffee. Your order, regardless of where you are in Greece should be a fredde espresso: a potent iced black coffee that comes with or without sugar. We recommend getting breakfast in Gioras Bakery, the oldest working bakery on the island which has belonged to the same family for over two centuries. Pick up a spanakopita, a filo pastry with layers of spinach, feta and crunchy, golden pastry. For a luxury dining experience, check out NOA which offers a modern taverna menu, with a big focus on farm-to-table dining. 

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, but our favorite is Agios Sostis beach. Unspoiled, compact, and remote, there are no beach bars (or shelter) at this tranquil beach, so do bring your own towels - and lots of sun lotion. The island is windy, but don't let that fool you into thinking the sun isn't blazing hot. Next to the beach is Kiki's taverna, a haunt favored by locals, and for good reason. Open daily until the sun goes down, the restaurant offers stunning fresh food at reasonable prices. 

Consider taking a ferry to Syros, a neighboring island just 30 minutes away from Mykonos which has its own distinct personality. Cosmopolitan and Cycladic, the main town is built amphitheatrically on two hills, making for a unique landscape. It's definitely quieter than Mykonos but it's by no means sleepy and is packed with buzzing coffee shops, restaurants and live music venues. 

Top tip: Expensive doesn't equate to good quality, so plan your meals before you head out. It's easy to be coaxed into sitting somewhere with a nice sea view, particularly in the center of Chora and the beaches of Platis Gialos, but prices can be exorbitant and the quality of the food can be comparatively low. The island is brimming with unforgettable eateries, many of which are very reasonable, so plan before you head out. Similarly, research beach bars and restaurants before you visit them - some venues at Platis Gialos charge $50 for sub-par cocktails, while neighboring ones will offer drastically lower prices for the same setting and quality. 

Hydra, or Ydra as it's known in Greece is a quaint, bohemian island which is accessible via a two-hour ferry ride from Athens. It's completely car-free, meaning the only mode of transport is on a donkey, water taxi or on foot - which is how we explored it. It was a famous hotspot in the 1960s and 1970s for artists and musicians, perhaps most famously, Leonard Cohen, who lived on the island on and off for years (his house used to be marked by a plaque and street sign but in recent years, renovation works have made it harder to find). To this day, it has an artistic feel and is still a hotspot for international artists and writers. Spend your days getting lost in the backstreets and climbing the island's bastions before cooling off for a dip in its waters. While the island has some pleasant beaches, they're generally not super accessible by foot - so if that's how you're exploring the island, we'd recommend instead finding a good bathing spot, like Hydronetta - a bar carved into the coastline which serves soft drinks, snacks and cocktails from dusk 'til dawn. Here, you can access the sparkling (but often choppy) seas via a small ladder. There are pleasant beaches in the island but if you're looking for some of the best beaches in Greece, there are plenty of other islands you can go to. For us, Hydra's charm lies in the blissful lack of cars, its narrow streets and craggy coastline and its bohemian vibes. By night, there are scores of lively tavernas and fun bars that stay open until the last customer decides to leave.

Top tip: We'd recommend visiting off-season, in May or October time. At this time of year, accommodation is substantially cheaper, as are the prices in local tavernas and bars. 

9. Thessaloniki

Greece's vibrant second city, Thessaloniki offers culture, history, food and adventure, yet for some reason, it often gets overlooked as a city break destination. As far as Greek cities go, Athens can sometimes be overwhelming, but Thessaloniki is decidedly less dizzying - not to mention, much milder, meaning that summers are less sticky and humid. Although it's still throbbing with personality and has a buzzing arts, foodie and music scene, the pace is distinctly slower than the capital.

Start the day with the city's famous bougatsa, a breakfast pastry with custard encased in delicious flakey filo pastry. Walk along the seafront the city is best explored by foot. Marvel at the Walls of Thessaloniki, the churches, monasteries and Byzantine baths, all included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites (the city has 15 on the list in total). Visit the White Tower, a monument and museum at the waterfront of the city, built in the 15th century after the fall of Thessaloniki to the Ottomans. Next go to Aristotelous Square, the central square and beating heart of the city. By this point, you'll be hungry, so it's time to talk about food once again. Although there's a gentle rivalry between Athens and Thessaloniki, the country's second city is where you'll find the best cuisine. 

For meat-eaters, Opsopoion Maganeiai, which translates as 'magical cooking' delivers on its promise, serving up plates of exquisitely seasoned steak cuts with a small but well-curated menu of starters. It's fairly small, so book ahead. For vegetarian choices, head to rOOTS Vegetarian & Vegan Place, a metropolitan eatery with an expansive and creative menu. Although it's easy to find vegetarian appetizers everywhere in Greece, finding a dedicated vegetarian restaurant is tricky as a lot of the cuisine is centered around meat. Beyond those places, look out for little 'ouzeries' - small venues that serve glasses of strong local liquors of tsipouro or ouzo accompanied by meze dishes. Meanwhile, the gyros in Thessaloniki are unrivaled:  pitas packed with meat, tomato, onion, fries and tzatziki (once again, vegetarian options are easy to come by too, which is unusual in Greece).

Top tip: As per the rest of the country, the hottest months are in summer so the best times to catch the good weather are between July to September. However, in early November the city hosts the International Thessaloniki Film Festival making it one of the best places to visit in November if you're looking for a cultural fix. As it's an international festival, most films will have both English and Greek subtitles. 

10. Aeropoli / Limeni

Perhaps one of the best hidden gems in Europe, Aeropoli is a popular destination for Greek holiday-makers but less popular with international tourists. The largest town in Mani, Aeropoli is packed with tavernas, buzzing coffee shops and vibrant bars. It's also 3km away from the picturesque village of Limeni.

Aeropoli is perhaps the best vantage point for exploring the region thanks to its countless hotels and rustic guest houses. It's really only accessible by car, but if you do have your own transport, Gytheio and Sparta are easily accessible for daytrips. Kalamata is less than two hours away, so we recommend combining a trip to both if you're planning a trip to the region. It's also close to the Caves of Diros, a large underground network of fantastical rock formations, located just 11km south of the town. 

If you visit Aeropoli, don't leave without spending a day in Limeni though, a beautiful port town with sparkling emerald water and rocky cliffs. What makes the landscape particularly impressive, however, is the imposing stone towers which look more like forts or watchtowers, build high against the rugged rocks and roads, with few windows. A local told us that they were intentionally built to look menacing; with each family trying to build above the one next to them to show their seniority and power. The result is a rugged, impressive landscape that contrasts with the sparkling seas below. 

Top tip: Don't visit off-season. Unlike more touristy destinations on the list, many businesses close their shutters during the winter months, and driving conditions can become difficult too. 

Packed with quaint villages, towering mountains and exotic beaches, Pelion is a mountainous peninsula in Thessaly, the central part of the country. It's close to the major city of Volos, but there are strong transport links from Athens and Thessaloniki too. As with many parts of Greece, it's best explored by car so you can visit as many of its villages as you can, each with their own unique charm. Despite its central mainland location, Pelion feels decidedly off-grid, with its deserted beaches, sleepy villages and rich vegetation. 

In winter, head to the ski resort of Agriolefkes in Mount Pelion for an unforgettable winter snow holiday, and in summer, retreat from the world in the village of Makrinitsa, a quaint village with cobblestone streets and grand houses, or Portaria - a lush, green mountainous village. And let's not forget the beaches, Mylopotamos beach is probably the most famous and picturesque, divided into two parts by a dramatic rock formation. Whether you're looking for a beach holiday, hike, or just to wander around the villages, the unique landscape of Pelion accommodates all types of holidaymakers. 

Top tip: Think about what type of holiday you want and book accordingly. If you're hoping to ski, it's one of the best places to visit in January but if you want a hiking holiday, consider traveling in springtime when the temperatures are dry but cool. The busiest time for tourists is June, so, much like traveling to the rest of Greece, if you want to get the best flight deals, travel in May or September. 

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The Olympic flame lighting ceremony takes place in Greece ahead of Paris 2024 – see its route

By Tal Dekel-Daks

A tradition dating back to 1936, the Olympic flame relay has long been an important part of the Games. The ritual always starts in the ancient Greek city of Olympia making its way to the host city over days or sometimes months where it often passes the host country 's history.

Ahead of Paris 2024 in July, the Olympic Torch was lit on Tuesday 16 April in Olympia. Up to 30 priestesses or ‘Caryatids Korres’ performed a series of rituals, calling on the sun god Apollo to ignite the Olympic flame using sun rays and a parabolic mirror. The Olympic flame is then placed in an urn and brought to the ancient stadium by Hestiada (the priestess keeper of the fire), where it is handed over by the high priestess to a torchbearer along with an olive branch - a universal symbol of peace. This fire will now stay lit for the entirety of the Olympic Games period (or be replaced as flame backup is carried in four separate miner-style lamps).

“The flame is the energy of a country, the will to be together,” the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo said in a statement . “The Torch Relay is preparation for the Opening Ceremony, it's a national storytelling, which brings us together. In this storytelling, there are landscapes, territories, nature, the beauty of the sites and our diverse cultures.”

The Olympic torch route

By Elizabeth Metcalfe

By Arabella Bowes

The Olympic flame will arrive in Athens ahead of the handover ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896, on Friday 26th April. Following the ceremony, the Olympic flame will spend the night at the French Embassy in Athens before boarding the Belem (a three-masted ship that first launched in 1896) the following day to head for Marseille, France , where it will arrive on 8th May.

The flame will then take on an epic journey across France, showcasing the country's history, architectural gems and major landmarks, including the Palace of Versailles, Lascaux caves, the Alésia archaeological site, the medieval city of Carcassonne, and many other sites.

It will also pass natural heritage sites like the Mont-Blanc Valley, the banks of the River Loire and Verdon Regional Natural Park as well as vineyards like Saint-Emilion, Chablis and Layon.

Rewatch the lighting ceremony as it happened:

By Antonia Bentel and Monica Mendal

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Cheapest Places To Visit in May: Affordable Vacation Spots 

These travel destinations are some of the cheapest places to visit in May. Learn more about where to vacation on a budget this spring.

Sarah Rand • Apr 15, 2024

May is a great time to travel to countless places. Especially if travelers want to appreciate the spring blooming season and peaking summer sun. The weather during May is typically warm but not sweltering. Since shoulder season commonly falls during the spring, May is one of the most ideal times to travel. This means that travelers can miss the crowds too.

Having plenty of space to explore the best features of a destination sounds like a great way to start celebrating springtime. However, it’s also a great time to save, especially after tax season . Here are a few of the cheapest places to visit in May where travelers can enjoy a trip while also not breaking the bank. 

Belize City, Belize

Belize City is a popular area for tourists to explore during their time since it is home to the country’s only international airport. It is centrally located, so travelers will save money by staying close to the city. There are also historic sites like Altun Ha and Xunantunich, which are very popular with tourists. The Belize Zoo, Great Blue Hole, and Caye Caulker are also popular spots to explore. 

The Chocolate Festival of Belize occurs in May. During the first or second week of the month, travelers can enjoy the sweet local tastings of cacao . The most exciting parts of the festival include the elegant chocolate gala and chocolate cruiser. The cruiser is a party bus that has several stops that explore cacao farming and many chocolate tastings throughout the ride. Travelers can enjoy the cruiser ride and gala for around $35 (per person, each event) but there are other free events to enjoy. 

In May, there is also better weather. The month of May marks the end of the dry season. Travelers can enjoy the warm Belizean sun without the heavy rains that sometimes accompany it. Visiting during May also means that travelers do not have to withstand the heat and humidity that usually hit the region around June and July. Temperatures in May are usually around 80 degrees. 

Affordability in Belize

Between November and mid-May is the best time to visit Belize for many reasons, including prices. This period is when travelers will notice lower prices for accommodations. This month also has fewer crowds since it is technically the shoulder season. Belize also has many affordable accommodations. The average price for tourism accommodations in Belize ranges from $20 – $100 per night, depending on the area and type. From street food to restaurants, travelers can expect to spend between $1 to $30 for a meal. Belize’s low prices make it clear why it is one of the cheapest places to visit in May.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain is popular for its unique architecture and culturally significant buildings. Since Barcelona is a very walkable city travelers can easily explore the most popular sites. La Sagrada Familia , Barri Gòtic, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell are just a few of the top-rated attractions in Barcelona.   

Between March and May are the best times to sightsee in Barcelona. Travelers will experience much more manageable weather so they can walk around comfortably. Temperatures are usually in the low 70s during May, so the sticky heat of summer can be avoided. The short spring season is also less crowded in general. For travelers wanting to avoid the summer tourist rush, May is a great time to visit. 

Affordability in Barcelona

Travelers who want to save money during their May Barcelona trip should book accommodations early. There are some spring events, like the Primavera Sound Music Festival that may increase prices. But generally, during May, accommodations in Barcelona are cheaper. This is especially true in comparison to summer prices. Travelers can expect central accommodation options to cost them around $50 – $80 a night. 

Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita, Mexico is a destination that is best known for its beautiful beaches. The area experiences gentle water conditions, so travelers are welcome to swim and surf. Travelers who prefer a small-town feel will flourish in Sayulita. Locals are welcoming and charming, so visitors will get to know the culture of the town. Some of the most popular things to do in Sayulita are kayaking, snorkeling, boat tours, and enjoying local cuisine. The town is certainly a nice place where travelers can relax.

Sayulita, Mexico is technically a hidden gem since it is an underrated fishing town. Travelers who want to avoid crowds are in luck since May is not the high season there. The high season in Sayulita is between November and March, so the crowds generally are nonexistent by May. Since Sayulita has a subtropical climate, it only has two seasons. May is technically in the winter, which usually means dry and warm weather. Temperatures usually are between the 70s and 80s. Visitors traveling to this area of Mexico in May will also enjoy not having to deal with the humidity.  

Affordability in Mexico

The busy season in Mexico is generally between November and April, so travelers who visit outside of that are likely to experience lower prices. There is also plenty to do in Sayulita on a budget, so travelers will not be bored even if they do not want to spend a lot. Four-star hotels in Sayulita will cost travelers around $30 – $100 a night, depending on their preferences. Many local restaurants have delicious cheap eats too, so travelers can thoroughly enjoy themselves without their pockets hurting. Mexico is one of the cheapest places to visit in May, especially if travelers are selective.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

Fort Lauderdale is popular for its beachfront bars and water activities, with plenty to do there on a budget. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, Historic Fort Lauderdale, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park are some of the most popular things to see. Travelers can also take riverboat tours, enjoy kayaking adventures, or simply enjoy the toasty sun to stay within budget. 

The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is between May and August. This is due to the better weather. Temperatures are typically between 70 and 80 degrees in May. There is a moderate amount of rain during that month. However, in comparison to the peak summer time, the rainfall is nothing to worry about. Travelers wanting to avoid crowds should go to Fort Lauderdale in either late April or early May. 

Affordability in Fort Lauderlade

The cheapest time to go to Fort Lauderdale is during the shoulder season, which is between late spring and early summer. This means that May and the beginning of June will see the most affordable prices. May is generally the cheapest time to fly to Florida, so travelers will benefit from that. Hotels right on the beach will cost travelers around $50 – $100 per night. There are also plenty of affordable restaurants in the area since it is a popular tourist destination.

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• / Vladimir Soloviev, prophet of Russia's conversion

VLADIMIR SOLOVIEV prophet of Russia’s conversion

T HE conversion of Russia will not be the work of man, no matter how gifted he may be, but that of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary, the Mediatrix of all graces, because this is God’s wish, which he revealed to the world in 1917. The life and works of Vladimir Soloviev are a perfect illustration of this truth of Fatima. He whom our Father regards as « the greatest Russian genius of the 19th century », was in his own way a prophet of the “ conversion ” of his beloved Country, announcing the necessity of her returning to the bosom of the Roman Church. «  Rome or chaos  », such was his catchphrase, Rome whose anagram is not a matter of chance, but a providential sign, a definition: ROMA , AMOR . Led by this incomparable guide, we would like « to anticipate in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers this consecration, this long-awaited conversion, which must mark the beginning of a time of sacred peace throughout the world, the beginning of the universal reign of the Most Blessed and Immaculate Heart of Mary, and through Her, of God’s Kingdom » (English CRC, December 1982, p. 23).

A PERSONAL CONVERSION

Through the example of his life, Soloviev recalls the indispensable means of this immense work: self-renunciation, personal and collective sacrifice, in Russian the podwig , the only way in which the Church, nations, saints and heroes can become the instruments of God’s designs. If he managed to surpass his master Dostoyevsky by his « truly universal Catholicism and far superior mystical vision », this was not without without a conversion of mind and heart on his part.

Our Father summarises the principal stages of his life as follows: « Born of an honourable Muscovite family, of part Kievian ancestry, Vladimir Soloviev began, in a world where only Germany counted, by being a victim of all the poisons of the West. He himself relates how he was a zealous materialist at the age of thirteen, had read Renan’s Life of Jesus at fifteen, and had become an evolutionist and therefore (!) an atheist and a nihilist at eighteen, in « It was Spinoza and then Schopenhauer who pulled him out of this bottomless void. Whereupon in 1872 a mysterious encounter with “  Wisdom  ” suddenly shook him out of the scientific naturalism in which he had been vegetating and made him aware, as he says, of invisible Beauty, the “  Sophia tou théou  ”, the daughter of God. He thus became the fervent witness of Wisdom’s indwelling in the world and of Her desire for total incarnation and universal queenship. His quest for wisdom, scientific, aesthetic and mystical, had commenced. He was nineteen years old. The quest would never end for this new style Russian pilgrim ; it would be of an unparalleled fruitfulness despite its touching brevity. He died of exhaustion in 1900, at the age ! » (English CRC, December 1982, p. 35)

We will limit ourselves in this article to his prophetic insights on the Union of the Churches. In his Lessons on Theandry (1878) – he was then twenty-five ! – our philosopher applies himself to contemplating the Wisdom of God at work in history, perfectly incarnated in Jesus and His virginal Mother, as well as in the Church as she awaits her eschatological transfiguration. The most serious sin, throughout this history, has been that of schism. Who is responsible for this vast Vladimir Soloviev began by throwing all responsibility for it on the Catholic Church, so much so that he provided the inspiration for Dostoyevsky’s famous “ myth of the Grand Inquisitor ” in The Brothers Karamazov . But, at the beginning of the 1880’s, through studying the question more closely, he understood that the sin of schism was in fact that of the East. This was a stroke of genius on his part for which our Father commends him greatly:

« I must beg pardon of my master Msgr. Jean Rupp, of Solzhenitsyn, Volkoff and so many others, but it seems obvious to to me, as it did to Soloviev in the end, that the schism of Moscow in setting itself up as the third Rome was the beginning of all the ills suffered by these admirable Christian peoples of European Russia . And I must say so because this rupture still weighs heavily on the world of today and because it is precisely of this rupture that Our Lady of Fatima speaks when She foretells “  the conversion of Russia  ”. (English CRC, December 1982, p. 24)

Let us follow Soloviev in his commendable mystical conversion which has opened up a path of light for his people, allowing a spring of grace and mercy to gush forth.

AN EVANGELICAL DISCOURSE

In 1881, Soloviev published a long article, still very antipapist, entitled Spiritual power in Russia . There the pope was presented as Antichrist institutionalised ! Our theorist placed all his hope in the regenerative mission of Holy Russia and in the Tsar who was to be her « divine figure, religious guide and animating wisdom ». But were the Russian people still capable of accomplishing such One particular event was to shake Soloviev’s patriotic faith. On March 1, 1881, Alexander II was assassinated by revolutionaries. A few days later, Soloviev gave a Discourse in which he recommended that his successor, Alexander III, show mercy to the regicides. Certainly not as a matter of weakness or abdication before the Revolution, even less out of the spirit of non-violence that a certain Tolstoy was already preaching, but « as an example of Russian piety », that famous podwig « which lies at the heart of the Russian people’s evangelical soul, of which the tsar is the living icon ». Alas, Soloviev was not understood... This was a painful stage in his life, the first step he had taken beyond his master Dostoyevsky.

The following year, he published another article entitled “  Schism in the Russian people and society  ”. Delving deep into the past, he accused Metropolitan Nikon of having broken, at the time of Peter the Great, the communion, the Sobornost , so beloved of the Russian people, by excommunicating Raskol, the fierce guardian of traditional popular religion... Ever since then, the Orthodox hierarchy, enslaved to the imperial power, had proved powerless to govern and sanctify Orthodoxy. It was nothing now but a shrunken, secularized “ local Church ” which, if it were to be restored and revived, would need to open itself up to “ the universal Church ”.

In the spring of 1882, Soloviev was powerfully affected by an unusual dream. In his dream he met a high-ranking Catholic ecclesiastic and entreated him to give him his blessing. The priest refused, so Soloviev insisted, declaring, « The separation of the Churches is the most disastrous thing possible. » Finally, the ecclesiastic agreed to give him his blessing.

This premonitory dream was to awaken in Vladimir Soloviev a burning desire for reconciliation with Catholicism, and to stimulate him to write a series of articles to be published every month in his friend Aksakov’s slavophile newspaper Rouss and then to be collected together in a work with the resonant title: The Great Controversy and Christian Politics . One particular maxim constantly reappeared under the Russian writer’s pen:

«  FIRST AND FOREMOST WE MUST WORK TO RESTORE THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH, AND TO MAKE THE FIRE OF LOVE BURN IN THE HEART OF CHRIST’S SPOUSE . »

By an irony of fate, the term “ Controversy ”, which for Soloviev referred to the conflict between Rome and the East, was going to give place to a bitter controversy between himself and his Orthodox and slavophile friends.

A MARVELLOUS AND ADORABLE WISDOM

T HE world’s beauty appeared to Soloviev as a living figure, a real existence, changing and yet immortal. He saw her and held her as the queen of his spiritual universe under her venerable name of Sancta Sophia . At the end of his life, in 1898, he celebrated the Three Encounters he had had with this Beauty which for him was Wisdom.

“ Three times in his life he had been overwhelmed by the radiant visit of Wisdom who appeared to him in the form of an absolutely heavenly female being, dazzling him and enlightening him profoundly. Not without reason certain authors think that all his religious and even philosophical works derive from this illumination. ”

And let us immediately point out, in order to acclimatize the Western reader who is highly likely to be disconcerted by these accounts, that trustworthy interpreters of Soloviev have attributed a marian character to these visions. For them, the whole of the Philosopher’s work derives from the AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA . “ It is a marvellous perspective ”, adds Msgr. Rupp. “ Wisdom is closely allied to the Immaculate who is its seat. ” ( Le message ecclésial de Soloviev , p. 340)...

What I am going to say next will perhaps surprise my reader. Nothing is more biblical than this vision, and I am astonished at the astonishment of theologians and their impatient criticisms. This Sophia was already well known, hymned and even boldly adored by the scribes of the Old Testament under this very name of Wisdom. Far from being “ pantheist ”, this idea, this vision touches the essence of created beings, and is clearly poles apart from the Platonic idea and far more profound than Aristotle’s substance; it lies at the very heart of being, there where nothing exists except relationship to God, the term of a will and a wisdom that are infinite, there where exists a pure reflection, a fragment of the image of God’s beauty.

George de Nantes , A mysticism for our time , French CRC no. 133, p. 7.

THE GREAT CONTROVERSY

In January 1883, he fired the opening shots with an open letter to Aksakov: « As I reflected on the means of curing this interior disease (of Christianity), I became convinced that the origin of all these evils lies in the general weakening of the earthly organisation of the visible Church, following her division into two disunited parts. » He demonstrated that, in order to establish herself on earth and to endure throughout history, the Christian religion had need of a higher authority, and he explained that it was therefore essential to restore « the union of all Christian and ecclesiastical forces under the standard and under the power of one central ecclesiastical authority ».

On February 19, Soloviev gave a talk in homage to his master Dostoyevsky. It was almost a panegyric of the Roman Church ! He declared his ardent hope for the reconciliation of the two Churches, for the two parts of the universal Church which should never have been separated and whose centre lay in... Rome . As a result of this speech, he saw himself banned from speaking in public. The newspapers made no mention of his speech. For the first time, and it would not be the last, Soloviev was the victim of the censure of Constantin Petrowitch Pobiedonostev, Russia’s Grand Inquisitor and the Tsar’s adviser on religious matters. Pobiedonostev championed a sacral conception of political power, akin to that of the French legitimists of the time, but he was fiercely Orthodox, and any opening towards the Catholic religion was pitilessly censured.

Soloviev responded to this censure with a smile. So his speech had been described as « infantile chattering » ? « If we are not converted », he said to his friends, « and become like little children again, we will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. » He went on: « When I was a pretentious little boy [teaching German philosophy: Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche], people listened with great respect to my “ truly infantile ” prattling. And now it is fitting that the only way I can attain the perfection of humility is by everyone ! »

At the same time, he wrote to Aksakov: « It is necessary to defend Catholicism against the false accusations being brought against it... Consequently, in advocating a reconciliation with Catholicism, I assume that Catholicism is not in principle erroneous, for one cannot be reconciled with error . » Now there we have a true ecumenism ! The life of Soloviev, writes our Father, « was ».

To the charge of “ papism ” levelled against him, Soloviev responded in March 1883 with an admirable profession of faith, already Catholic:

« It seems to to me that you concentrate only on “ papism ” whereas I focus first and foremost on the great, holy and eternal Rome, a fundamental and integral part of the universal Church. I believe in this Rome, I bow before it, I love it with all my heart, and with all the strength of my soul I desire its rehabilitation for the unity and integrality of the universal Church. And may I be accursed as a parricide should I ever utter one word of condemnation against the Holy Church of Rome . »

THE REALISATION OF THE DREAM

In May 1883, on the occasion of the coronation of the Emperor Alexander III, the Moscow press complained that too many concessions were being made to restore diplomatic relations with the Vatican broken in 1866, but Soloviev protested: such an agreement was necessary, were it only to improve relations with the Catholics of Poland. The Pope was represented at the ceremony by his special envoy Msgr. Vincenzo Vanutelli. Had not Alexander III written to Leo XIII shortly beforehand: « Never has unity between all Churches and all States been so necessary, in order to realise the wish expressed by Your Holiness of seeing the peoples abandoning the disastrous errors responsible for the social malaise and returning to the holy laws of the Gospel... »

A few days after the ceremony, Soloviev was crossing Moscow in a hired car. Suddenly, he recognized the route he had followed in his dream the previous year. Soon he came to a stop in front of a house from which a Catholic prelate was just leaving: it was Msgr. Vanutelli in person... There was the same hesitation of this latter to give his blessing to a schismatic, and the same entreaties of Soloviev, who finally !

In the summer of 1883, our author wrote two articles on The Catholic Question . According to Soloviev, it was for Russia to take the first step towards the Catholic Church. Imagine !

His articles were not of the sort to leave his readers indifferent. On the Orthodox side, there was an increasing irritation, while on the Catholic side, surprise soon gave way to enthusiasm. The news crossed the borders, spreading to Poland and even to Croatia, where Msgr. Strossmayer was finally seeing his desires realised. The jurisdiction of his diocese of Djakovo extended into Bosnia and Serbia, that is into Orthodox territory. Endowed with a superior intelligence and animated by great apostolic zeal, this Croatian bishop keenly felt the need for a true, intelligent and benevolent ecumenism. He wrote in 1883 to one of his friends, Father Martynov:

« In my opinion, the principal task of the Catholic Church and of the Holy See this century is to draw as closely as possible to the Slav nation, principally the Russian nation . By winning it over to the divine unity of the Catholic Church, we would at the same time win over everyone in the world who still possess a positive faith. »

IN THE RADIANCE OF THE IMMACULATE

In the summer of 1883, Soloviev wrote five long letters to a Russian Uniate priest on the subject of The Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary . At the same time he translated Petrarch’s “ Praise and prayer to the Most Blessed Virgin ”, wherein he contemplated Her “ clothed in the Sun, crowned with stars... Her glance radiating infinity ! ” It is highly significant that Soloviev was simultaneously attracted by the mystery of the Catholic Church and the mystery of the Immaculate Virgin. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was the first Catholic dogma which he embraced, and his favourite painting was the Immaculate Conception by Murillo.

In The Foundations of the Spiritual Life (1884), he exalted the « All Holy and Immaculate » Virgin Mary. In Russia and the Church Universal (1889), he would praise Pope Pius IX for having quoted, in support of his dogmatic definition, the Old Testament texts referring to Wisdom, the “  Sophia  ” of his personal intuitions:

« If, by the substantial Wisdom of God, we were exclusively meant to understand the Person of Jesus Christ, how could we apply to the Blessed Virgin all those texts in the Wisdom books which speak of this Wisdom ? However, this application, which has existed from the very earliest times in the offices of both the Latin and Greek Churches, has today received doctrinal confirmation in the bull of Pius IX on the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin. » (quoted by Msgr. Rupp, Le message ecclésial de Soloviev, p. 338)

In September 1883, when the sixth chapter of The Great Controversy was published, a rumour spread through Moscow that Soloviev had “ passed over ” to Catholicism, but there was no truth in it. Moreover, curious though this may seem to us, he was not looking “ to pass over to Catholicism ”, but only to open Orthodoxy up to the universality of the Roman Church.

His seventh and final chapter aroused a lively debate, one that is ever topical. The question turned on the attitude of the Byzantine Greeks in conflict with the Crusaders of the West. Soloviev wrote: « On the day that Constantinople fell, seeing the Turkish armies poised to attack, the final spontaneously expressed cry of the Greeks was, “ Better Islamic slavery than any agreement with the Latins. ” I do not mention this as a reproach to the unfortunate Greeks. If, in this cry of implacable hatred, there was nothing Christian, then neither has there been anything especially Christian in all the formal and artificial attempts to reunite the Churches… »

Aksakov, his Orthodox pride deeply irritated by this remark, retorted: « What does he mean, nothing Christian ? May the Greeks be blessed a hundred times over for having preferred a foreign yoke and bodily torture to the abandonment of the purity of their faith in Christ and for having thus preserved us from the distortions of papism at the precise moment [ the beginning of the 13th century ! ] when it had reached the height of its deformity. May they win eternal glory for this ! »

Nonetheless, Soloviev continued his search for truth, surmounting every obstacle. His article “  Nine Questions to Father Ivantsov-Platonov  ” published in December 1883, created a deep stir even in the West. Here he put nine questions to his former master in Orthodoxy on those points of controversy which set the Church of the East against the Church of Rome. Here is the setting:

« How is it that the countries of the East are separated from the Roman Church ? Did the latter proclaim an heretical proposition ? One would be hard pushed to maintain this, for the addition of the Filioque to the Creed, which is put forward to justify the separation, does not have the character of a heresy. Furthermore, it is absurd to say that the Roman Church is in a state of schism with regard to the Eastern Churches. Thus, the latter’s separation from the former has no basis. Let us acknowledge this and, putting aside all human viewpoints, let us work towards Unity or rather let us work so that Unity, which already has a virtual existence, may become a reality. »

THE THREAD OF AN ANCIENT TRADITION

During 1884, the Russian philosopher studied Catholic dogmatics. He read the works of Perrone, the theologian of Gregory XVI and Pius IX, as well as the texts of the Councils. He was particularly interested in Popes Gregory VII and Innocent III, whom he read in the original text.

At the same time he had a great enthusiasm for the Croatian priest George Krijanich who « had come from Zagreb to Moscow in the 17th century to spread the ideal of the Holy Kingdom of God, Roman Catholic and panslavic, gathering together under the sceptre of the tsars and the crook of the Pope all the Slav peoples who would thereby be freed and protected from the twofold burden pressing them on both sides like a vice, the Germanic powers and the Turks. Thus the Croats would work to free themselves from Austrian control and at the same time they would assist the Serbs, their Orthodox brothers, to shake off Moslem domination.

« To realise this grand design, capable at one blow of powerfully advancing the Kingdom of God on earth, Krijanich came to Moscow and preached on the subject of Russia’s reconciliation with Rome . This should not be difficult, he said, because the Russians had only fallen into schism through ignorance and not through heresy or malice. He himself was already preaching that everyone should recognise their own individual faults, be they unconscious or involuntary, and the need for expiation. God’s blessings would follow as a result, immense and eternal blessings. Sergius Mikhailovich Soloviev, our great man’s father, a historian and the author of a monumental history of Russia, admired Krijanich as “ the first of the Slavophiles ” and also, in his eyes, “ the most paradoxical ”, so alien did Catholicism then appear to the Russian consciousness. » (English CRC, December 1982, p. 32)

Soloviev intended to prove the contrary. And it was just at this time that he entered into friendly relations with the Croatian Bishop Strossmayer, thereby resuming the thread of an ancient tradition, one which was apparently marginal but which in reality was pregnant with a splendid future. Early in December 1885, Soloviev for the first time received a letter from the Croatian bishop. He replied to him on December 8, “  the blessed Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin  ”:

« On the reunion of the Churches », he wrote, « depends the fate of Russia, the Slavs and the whole world. We Russian Orthodox, and indeed the whole of the East, are incapable of achieving anything before we have expiated the ecclesiastical sin of schism and rendered papal authority its due . » And he ended with these words: « My heart burns with joy at the thought that I have a guide like you. May God long preserve your precious leadership for the good of the Church and the Slav people. » In his pastoral letter of January 1886, the bishop of Djakovo quoted large extracts from this letter.

Encouraged by such support, in 1886 Soloviev undertook a study on Dogmatic development and the question of the reunion of the Churches , which provoked the fury of Orthodoxy. However, at a conference given at the ecclesiastical Academy of Saint Petersburg, Soloviev attempted to justify himself: « I can assure you that I will never pass over to Latinism. » He thereby sought to register his attachment to the Eastern rite. No question for him of adopting the Latin rite ! After that, he set out on a journey to Europe.

FIRST STAY IN ZAGREB (1886)

At the beginning of July, he was the guest of the honourable Canon Racki, President of the Yugoslav Academy of Zagreb, founded by Msgr. Strossmayer, and a personal friend of the latter. Every morning the Orthodox Soloviev assisted at the Catholic Mass with great enthusiasm. He made the sign of the cross in the Catholic manner, but prayed in the Greek manner, crossing his arms on his chest. He willingly admitted to his host – and this was not due to any desire to please on his part – that Croatian Catholics, like the Ukrainians, were more religious than his Orthodox compatriots !

Following an article published in the Croatian journal Katolicki List , Soloviev for the first time encountered opposition from a Catholic priest.

During his stay in Zagreb, he also published a letter in the Russian newspaper Novoie Vremia , wherein he refuted the widespread opinion in Russia that the Croats were the instruments of the Austro-Hungarian government’s attempt to Latinize the Eastern Slavs.

In August, he joined Msgr. Strossmayer in the Styrian Alps, and spent ten marvellous days with him. These two minds were truly made to get along. The mutual admiration they felt for one another reinforced their spiritual friendship. But Soloviev continued to receive Holy Communion at the hands of the Orthodox priest of the Serb parish of Zagreb... Rising above the inevitable criticisms, he then wrote a letter to Msgr. Strossmayer, summarising their initial conversations:

«  The reunion of the Churches would be advantageous to both sides . Rome would gain a devout people enthusiastic for the religious idea, she would gain a faithful and powerful defender. Russia for her part, she who through the will of God holds in her hands the destinies of the East, would not only rid herself of the involuntary sin of schism but, what is more, she would thereby become free to fulfil her great universal mission of uniting around herself all the Slav nations and of founding a new and truly Christian civilisation, a civilisation uniting the characteristics of the one truth and of religious liberty in the supreme principle of charity, encompassing everything in its unity and distributing to everyone the plenitude of the one unique good. »

Such was his transcription of the well known Catholic principle: «  In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas : unity in essentials, liberty in matters of doubt, and in all things charity . Such must be the Charter of Catholic ecumenism under the crook of the one Shepherd. From the start of this crisis, such has been the invitation we have made to our bishops and to our brothers. Today, it is also the will of the Holy Father », wrote our Father in his editorial for September 1978, dedicated to John Paul I, another Saint Pius X without knowing it (English CRC no. 102, p. 6).

When he informed his friends of Soloviev’s letter, Msgr. Strossmayer presented its author as « a candid and truly holy soul ».

Msgr. Strossmayer and Soloviev had agreed to meet again in Rome for the jubilee pilgrimage of 1888. The Croatian bishop decided to pave the way in Rome by writing to Leo XIII’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Rampolla. He presented his Russian friend as «  toto corde et animo catholicus  ». The Pope at first took a personal interest in the affair: « Here is a sheep », he said, « who will soon be clearing the gate of the sheepfold. » But curiously, there was to be no follow-up. It seems that Leo XIII failed to appreciate Soloviev’s genius... However, things were different in France, where an unassuming and ardent rural parish priest latched on to everything that his apostolic zeal could extract from the lightning advances made by the Russian thinker ( see inset , p. 19).

Soloviev returned to Russia at the beginning of October 1886, rather discouraged by the criticisms directed against him on all sides: there were the Orthodox, some of whom had accused him of bringing Orthodoxy into disrepute abroad... and certain Catholics, like Fr. Guettée in France, a modernist priest with little to commend him, whom he had met in Paris in 1876 and who had recently published an article of rare violence against him !

THE “ RETURN OF THE DISSIDENTS ”

June 18, 1887: a young Capuchin, Leopold Mandic, from Herzeg Novi in Bosnia, under the jurisdiction of Msgr. Strossmayer, and studying at the friary in Padua, heard the voice of God inviting him to pray for and promote the return of the Orthodox to the bosom of the one Church of Christ. «  The goal of my life , he would later say, must be the return of the Eastern dissidents to Catholic unity; I must therefore employ all my energies, as far as my littleness allows, to co-operate in such a task through the sacrifice of my life . » Fifty years later, he would still remember this grace: «  June 18, for the record: 1887-1937. Today, I offered the Holy Sacrifice for the Eastern dissidents, for their return to Catholic unity . » Thus the Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate united, in this one same “ ecumenical ” work, the ardent heart of a young Capuchin destined for the altars, the apostolic wisdom of a bishop and the brilliant intuitions of a great thinker.

In January 1887, from the Monastery of Saint Sergius where he had celebrated Christmas, Soloviev wrote an article in which he provided philosophic justification for the three Catholic dogmas which the Orthodox reject, namely the Filioque, the Immaculate Conception and papal infallibility . Here is a « basis for working towards the reunion of the Churches », he explained. A few months later, he published in Zagreb (on account of the censure directed against him in Russia) his book The History and Future of Theocracy .

There he retraced the vast movement of history towards the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Universal Theocracy, the successor of Jewish Theocracy, cannot be conceived, he explained, without an integrally Christian politics, and he concluded with a splendid anthem to Christ Pantocrator receiving from His Father all power on earth and in Heaven and acting through His emissaries, the Apostles and their successors. Soloviev always believed in the privileged vocation of Russia within the Catholic community of Christian nations, even if he stigmatized what he called “ the sin of Russia ”, which was to oppress and hate all those it dominated, in particular Polish Catholics, Greek Uniates, Ruthenians and Jews !

Like a true prophet, he was vigorous in preaching repentance to his people . In order that they might be faithful to their vocation within the great Slav family, Soloviev asked them to give up their inordinate ambitions, to return to a truer and more Christian conception of their destiny, and to accomplish this within the only international organization which could direct its course, Catholicism, that is to say Roman universalism.

«  One of my theses is that the cause of the Reunion of the Churches in Russia demands a podwig (sacrifice) even heavier to bear than that which, already demanding great self-denial, was needed to ensure Russia’s receptivity to Western culture, an event truly disagreeable to the national sentiment of our ancestors .

«  Well ! this sacrifice consists in drawing closer to Rome and it must be attained at all costs. In this lies the remedy for the Russian sin . »

It goes without saying that Soloviev earned himself new enemies with his book. It cost him great personal suffering, but he could not fail the Truth, which he contemplated with ever greater clarity... What greatness of soul this universal genius possessed !

SAINT VLADIMIR AND THE CHRISTIAN STATE

1888 marked the ninth centenary of the baptism of Saint Vladimir, the first prince of Kiev, whose kingdom after his conversion became « the model of Christian States, with evangelical morals », writes our Father (English CRC, December 1982, p. 23). Soloviev used the occasion to give a conference in Moscow, where he reaffirmed that Russia’s destiny was to turn towards Rome, as King Vladimir had ! However, having hardened itself in its schism, the Muscovite hierarchy was no longer animated by the spirit of St. Vladimir. Hence the fury of the Orthodox hierarchs !

At the same time, Msgr. Strossmayer had gone to Rome for the Jubilee. In vain did he wait for Soloviev there. The latter, fearing perhaps that he had made a definitive break with the Orthodox world which he dreamed on the contrary of winning for the Union, had given up the idea of making this journey. It must also be said that Vatican diplomacy hardly inspired more confidence in him. Leo XIII was revealing himself less and less slavophile, reserving his favours for the Germany of old Bismarck and the young William II ! Msgr. Strossmayer lamented this in a letter to Fr. Martynov: «  The Pope is acting against the Slavs. The Roman prelates are like people insane and think only of temporal power !  »

What a difference between Leo XIII and his successor, St. Pius X, who was, in the words of Msgr. Rupp and our Father, the greatest slavophile pope of our times !

Early in May 1888, Soloviev was on a visit to Paris. To explain his thinking to the French public, he gave a conference on the Russian Idea , « the true national idea eternally fixed in the design of God », who longs to spread His light over the whole world. However, Soloviev remained lucid about his own Church: « If the unity of the universal Church founded by Christ only exists among us in a latent state, it is because the official institution represented by our ecclesiastical government and our theological school is not a living part of the universal Church. »

In passing, he described the destruction of the Greek-Uniate Church by the Orthodox as a «  veritable national sin weighing on Russia and paralysing her moral strength  ». That is still the case today...

In July, Kiev celebrated the feast of the baptism of St. Vladimir. From Zagreb Msgr. Strossmayer sent a telegram in which he exalted Russia’s future role in the manner of his friend Soloviev. Scandal ! His remarks were universally reported by the press. Cardinal Rampolla informed the Croatian bishop that Leo XIII was seriously displeased ! The bishop of Djakovo also earned himself the bitter reproaches of Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria, which is more understandable given the rivalry existing between the two Empires.

In the summer of 1887, Soloviev published in the Universe , the newspaper of Louis Veuillot, three articles on St. Vladimir and the Christian State which caused a great stir. Then he journeyed to Croatia where he remained for one whole month with Msgr. Strossmayer. This meeting was rather sad, for the two friends were increasingly aware that their attempt to reunite the Churches would not succeed, at least in their lifetime.

It was in Djakovo that Soloviev finished the immense prologue to his magisterial book, Russia and the Church Universal , in which one can already glimpse signs of the discouragement that would overwhelm the thinker in the latter part of his life. We know from Fatima that the work of the conversion of Russia, something humanly impossible, has been entrusted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary who has a particular love for this Nation such as to inspire jealousy in others. But this only makes it all the more extraordinary that our prophet should have traced out the course of this conversion, like a true Precursor !

« RUSSIA AND THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL »

Soloviev does not hesitate to delve deep, extremely deep, into the past. To realise its designs in the world, divine Wisdom wished to become incarnate, and the Verb to take flesh like our own. As that was not enough, He also wished to unite to Himself a social and historical body, one that could reach the universality of mankind and communicate to all men His own divine Life. In this magnificent perspective, Soloviev compares the formation of that Body through which God wishes to be united with humanity to that effected in the womb of the Virgin Mary at the time of the Incarnation, and to that which operates every day in the Eucharistic mystery... What was needed for this work was a solid foundation, a Rock:

« This bedrock has been found », he writes, « it is Rome. It is only on the Rock [of Peter and his successors] that the Church is founded. This is not an opinion, it is an imposing historical reality . »

It is also an evangelical truth: «  You are Peter, and on this Rock I will build my Church . » Here Soloviev addresses the Protestants who seek to outbid each other in their attacks against the Primacy of Peter by quoting Jesus’ own words to His Apostle when he was obstructing the Master’s path: «  Get behind me, Satan !  » Soloviev’s response once again shows the clarity of his intelligence and his perfect knowledge of Catholic dogma:

«  There is only one way of harmonising these texts which the inspired Evangelist did not juxtapose without reason. Simon Peter, as supreme pastor and doctor of the universal Church , assisted by God and speaking for all, is, in this capacity, the unshakeable foundation of the House of God and the holder of the keys of the heavenly Kingdom. The same Simon Peter, as a private person, speaking and acting through his own natural forces and an understanding that is purely human , can say and do things that are unworthy, scandalous and even satanic. But personal defects and sins are passing, whereas the social function of the ecclesiastical monarch is permanent. “ Satan ” and the scandal have disappeared, but Peter has remained.  »

Soloviev’s doctrine agrees with that of Vatican Council I and with that of our Father who, at the same time as he makes us venerate Peter’s magisterium, magnificently illustrated by Blessed Pius IX, St. Pius X and John Paul I, accuses John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II of being instruments of “ Satan ” for the ruin of the Church.

However, Christ wished that it should be around Peter that the unity of faith and charity should be formed: «  Since the unity of the faith does not presently exist in the totality of believers, seeing that not all of them are unanimous in matters of religion, it must lie in the legal authority of a single head, an authority assured by divine assistance and the trust of all the faithful . This is the ROCK on which Christ founded His Church and against which the gates of hell will never prevail.  »

Why did this ROCK settle in Rome, and not in Jerusalem, Constantinople or Moscow ? Here we have a further brilliant response from Soloviev: historically Rome represented the order, civilization and terrestrial Empire that would best allow the Church to become the universal spiritual Empire desired by Christ. In a mystical view of the history of Salvation – we would say divine “ orthodromy ” – Soloviev shows how God, wishing to extend salvation to the whole world,  decided one day that His Kingdom should leave Israel for Rome, so that the capital of the pagan Empire should become “ the conjoint instrument ” of His designs:

« The universal monarchy was to stay put; the centre of unity was not to move. But central power itself, its character, its source and its sanction were to be renewed... Instead of an Empire of Might, there was to be a Church of Love. » One thinks of Constantine’s conversion and his imposition throughout the Roman Empire of laws favouring Christianity, and of Theodosius declaring the Christian religion the religion of State. What decisive support for the Gospel ! The remarkable Roman civilization, already the heir of Greece, was put at the service of the Cross of Christ !

Soloviev had some wonderful expressions to describe this, as for example the following: «  Jesus unthroned Caesar... By unthroning the false and impious absolutism of the pagan Caesars, Jesus confirmed and immortalised the universal monarchy of Rome and gave it its true theocratic foundation . »

« Let us not think », comments our Father, « that our theosophist loses his way in a contemplation of evangelical love and freedom. Fully aware of the frailty and shortcomings of humanity, he declares that it is essential, for its effective salvation, that supreme divine power be joined to the firmest social structure, to the virile principle , and not as formerly to the female principle of a virginal flesh for the Incarnation. This firm principle is the imperial monarchical institution which is Rome and Caesar. Converted, elevated and unabolished, the Power of Rome continues in the Pope for the service of the universal community.

« It is only this divino-human pontifical paternity that is capable of forming the basis of the universal fraternity of the peoples, not only through its spiritual influence but also through its authority and its supranational organization. In this monarchy, sacred but popular, the Pope, the Universal Emperor, clearly remains the servant of the servants of God and is, for that very reason, the sovereign Head of the Nations. Opposed to any kind of papolatry, antagonistic to all the encroachments of papism, and quite capable of denouncing such a Pope as Satan, Soloviev raised an imperishable monument to the glory of Rome and pointed out – him, a member of the Orthodox Church – the path of the world’s salvation, which lay in one place only, in the universal Christian order of a restored Roman Catholic Church ... » (French CRC no. 131, July 1978, p. 6)

In his lifetime, Soloviev ran up against a wall of hostility and incomprehension: « I am not so naive », he said, « to seek to convince minds whose private interests are greater than their desire for religious truth. In presenting the general evidence for the permanent primacy of Peter as the basis of the universal Church, I have simply wanted to assist those who are opposed to this truth, not because of their interests and passions, but merely because of their unwitting errors and hereditary prejudices. »

The final period of his life might seem to some like a decline and a renunciation of his prophetic insights, but our Father writes: « Soloviev was too great a mind to be discouraged or to modify his ideas in accordance with the fluctuations of his worldly success. What is certainly true is that his bitter experiences gave him a better knowledge of the Evil that was at work in the world, throwing up formidable obstacles to God’s designs and going so far as to erect a kind of caricature of them. This he denounced as the power of the Antichrist, the Prince of this world, announced in the Scriptures. » (French CRC no. 132, August 1978, p. 12)

At the beginning of the 1890’s, relations between Soloviev and the Orthodox Church deteriorated. «  Given the papaphobia reigning among us , he wrote to a friend, sometimes revealing its underhand character and at other times its stupidity, and always in any event unchristian, I considered and I continue to consider that it is necessary to draw people’s attention to the Rock of the Church laid by Christ Himself and to its positive significance . »

As he persisted in his criticisms, even going so far as to compare the Greco-Russian Church with « the Synagogue », the Orthodox hierarchy, in the person of Pobiedonostev, the Holy Synod’s prosecutor, employed the ultimate weapon at its disposal: it deprived him of the sacraments. One day in 1894, being seriously ill, Soloviev asked to receive the sacraments. His Orthodox confessor refused to give him absolution unless he renounced his Catholic views. Soloviev refused to yield, preferring to forego confession and Holy Communion.

AN AUTHENTIC CONVERSION

The moment had come. On February 18, 1896, he went to see Fr. Nicholas Alexeyevich Tolstoy, a Catholic priest of the Eastern rite exercising his ministry in Moscow. This priest, a former officer, owed him his vocation, his formation (Soloviev having been his teacher) and his conversion to Catholicism. That February 18 was the feast day of Pope St. Leo so dear to Soloviev. Before Mass, he read on his knees the Tridentine symbol of the faith containing the Filioque and a formula declaring that the Church of Rome must be regarded as the head of all the particular Churches. Then he received the Body of Christ at the hands of the Catholic priest.

On the following day, Fr. Tolstoy was denounced and arrested. He managed to escape and to reach Rome first, then France. It was only in 1910 that he would give an account in the Universe of the authentic conversion of Soloviev, and in 1917 that the two witnesses present at the scene would confirm the celebrated Russian’s profession of the Catholic faith. Nevertheless, this conversion was disputed not only by the Orthodox but also by Catholics imbued with a false ecumenism like Msgr. d’Herbigny of sinister memory. But in this matter the facts are indubitable. His entry into the Catholic Church did not, however, in Soloviev’s mind, exclude him from what he called « the true and authentic Eastern or Greco-Russian Church ». Never did he embrace the Latin rite. After the exile of Fr. Tolstoy, as there were no longer any Catholic priests in Moscow apart from those belonging to the Latin rite, Soloviev decided to refrain from receiving the sacraments...

In 1897, a census of the whole of Russia was carried out in which a question was asked about religion. «  I am both Catholic and Orthodox; let the police work that out !  » Soloviev answered.

« Self-important people from Rome and Moscow declared themselves scandalized », writes our Father. « The hour had not yet come for the podwig , for self-renunciation and reconciliation in truth and justice ( pravda ), and for the restoration of the wholly divine unity of communion in love ( sobornost ). Msgr. Rupp thinks that we achieved it with Vatican II. Alas, no ! I hope for and expect it to come with Vatican III... but only after the trial, after conversion and expiation... and after Our Lady’s humble requests have been met. » (English CRC, December 1982, p. 36)

UNDER THE SIGN OF MARY

«  This glow from Heaven emanates from Mary, And vain remains the attraction of the serpent’s venom.  »

On July 17, 1900, sensing death approaching, Soloviev sent for a priest. He was most insistent about this: « Will it be morning soon ? When will the priest come ? » The next day, he made his confession and received Holy Communion at the hands of an Orthodox priest. He died peacefully a few days later, on July 31, «  in the communion of Russian Orthodoxy to which he had ever been faithful, without however disowning the Catholicism of his heart, assured by the example of the Fathers of Russian Christianity, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Saint Vladimir, and so many strastoterptsi , innocents who had suffered the passion , and startsi , slavophiles and romanophiles at the same time, without schism or constraint, in the love of Holy Church and Holy Russia, the Kingdom of God to come !  »

But all this is too beautiful for us not to revisit it, so our Father has decided that we will study in more depth the work of this great Russian thinker, in three parts to appear in subsequent editions of Resurrection , Deo volente:

The vocation of Russia in the designs of God and the concert of the Christian nations: up to and including Putin ?

The Immaculate Virgin Mary , throne of Wisdom, essential beauty of the created world, our ultimate recourse !

The Antichrist unmasked by Soloviev . This was the last service the “ inspired prophet ” rendered to his beloved Russia: that of putting her on her guard against the seductions of the Antichrist. In Rome, at the same time, St. Pius X was also announcing his advent in his encyclical E supremi Apostolatus of October 4, 1903: « The Antichrist is present among us. The Evil shaking the world should not affright us, it will only last a short while. What must fall will fall, and the Church will be reborn from the trial, assisted by her Saviour and ready for extraordinary developments. »

Brother Thomas of Our Lady of Perpetual Help He is risen ! n° 8, August 2001, pp. 13-22

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France prepares to welcome the Olympic flame ahead of Paris 2024

There are just over three weeks before the Olympic flame is welcomed in Marseille on 8 May. After 100 years of waiting, the arrival of the flame on French soil will mark the start of three months of celebrations ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 .

There was plenty of emotion on 16 April 2024. During a traditional ceremony organised by the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the Olympic flame was brought to life at the archaeological site of Olympia . The ceremony saw the first French Torchbearer take to the stage to receive the lit Paris 2024 Torch from the very first Torchbearer, Greek rower Stefanos Douskos, Olympic champion at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 .

“What an honour to be the first French Torchbearer,” said Laure Manaudou . “This is even more special for me as I have a strong connection with this country where my sporting career took a decisive turn. Carrying the flame on the soil of Olympia, the ancient origin of the Games, brings back many memories and emotions. I am very proud to have represented France at this flame lighting ceremony that marks the start of the countdown to the Games!”

“This Olympic flame will carry this Olympic spirit from here, our ancient roots, through all of France and finally to Paris – making the City of Light shine even brighter. The Olympic flame will shine over the first Olympic Games inspired by our Olympic Agenda reforms from start to finish. These Olympic Games will be younger, more inclusive, more urban, more sustainable. These will be the very first Olympic Games with full gender parity, because the IOC allocated exactly 50 per cent of the places to female and male athletes,” said IOC President Thomas Bach .

Here is everything you need to know about the flame arrival on the French soil, on Wednesday 8 May.

An historic celebration in Marseille on 8 May to kick-off celebrations in France

Carrying a message of unity and symbolising the unifying dimension of sport, the Olympic flame has begun its journey in Greece to pay tribute to the origins of the Games.

After departing from the port of Piraeus in Greece on 27 April, the Olympic flame will arrive in Marseille by sea, aboard the Belem, the three-masted ship of which Caisse d'Épargne is the main patron.

On 8 May, the Old Port will be decked out in the colours of the Games and will be buzzing to the rhythm of the many events planned for the occasion. Between 11:00 and 17:00 local, the Belem will parade in the southern and northern harbours, while workshops will be held along the coast: Provençal jousting workshops, a parade of around 30 Marseille barquettes, involvement of local rowing, kayaking and canoeing clubs, and the escorting of traditional sailing boats and dinghies by children - the nautical champions of tomorrow - in a loop of around 90 old-rigged boats.

The Belem will also be accompanied by an XXL armada: a total of 1,029 boats will escort the flame as it enters the Old Port.

To make it all the more spectacular, the Belem will be moored to a floating athletics track through which the first Torchbearer on French soil will pass. The cauldron will then be lit among the excitement in Marseille.

Celebrations open to all throughout France to experience the Games

France is hosting the Olympic Games for the first time in 100 years, and Paris 2024 wants to offer events to live up to this historic occasion! From 8 May until the close of the Paralympic Games on 8 September, 11,000 Forerunners of the Olympic Torch Relay, followed by those of the Paralympic Torch Relay, will criss-cross the country to spread the energy of the Games.

The two Torch Relays will be all about celebration and sharing, with five concerts organised with Coca-Cola for the Olympic Torch Relay and one for the Paralympic Torch Relay. A festival atmosphere will be created around the concerts, which will feature a unique cast of French-speaking artists, adored by the new generation and of different styles and genres, selected with the expertise of Coke Studio.

“France is ready to welcome the Olympic Games, a hundred years after the last summer edition on our soil," said Tony Estanguet , president of Paris 2024. “It is with great pride and honour that we will be hosting the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in the country of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, where we keep a very strong and special link with Olympism.

"After the first participation of women in the Games at Paris 1900 and the creation of the first Athletes' Village for Paris 1924, we are ready to write a new chapter in the great Olympic history with the third Games in Paris, France.

"We want to thank the IOC and Thomas Bach for the enduring help and support, all these years, which have allowed us to conceive and create Games that are not only spectacular, but also more responsible, notably from an environmental point of view, which will make them all the more exceptional. Together, we will organise great Games, and it starts today, with the Olympic Torch Relay!”

Celebrations will take place all over France with the party accessible to everyone. The Games map, an interactive map that will be online from 8 May on the official Games app, will enable everyone to identify the places celebrating the Olympic Games nearest them.

Facts and figures of the Paris 2024 Torch Relay

Olympic torch relay in greece.

• From 16 - 26 April
• 600 torchbearers
• 5,000km in 11 days
• 43 Greek municipalities

Olympic Torch Relay in France

• From 8 May to 26 July
• 10,000 torchbearers in France
• 65 territories including 6 oversees
• 7 June: Start of Relay across the Oceans in Brest aboard of Maxi Banque Populaire XI towards Antilles

Paralympic Torch Relay in France

• From 25 - 28 August
• 1,000 torchbearers
• 50 cities of all French Metropolitan regions

Schedule of the Olympic flame arrival in Marseille on 8 May

Olympic flame arrival (estimates, all times cet).

• 11:00 - 17:00: Olympic flame parade on the see
• 19:00: Arrival of Belem in the Vieux-Port
• 19:45: Cauldron lighting

Cultural Schedule

• Château d’If: (La)Horde artist's group for an original adaptation of the show "Room with a view", performed on different levels of the château
• Lighthouse of the Île d'If : Visual installation by Miguel Chevalier, inspired by marine currents and biodiversity
• 20:30 - 23:30 on the Old Port : 'Exceptionnal' organised by Coca-Cola, official partner of the Torch Relay, with French stars Alonzo and Soprano, in front of 45,000 spectators

Related content

Olympic glossary: 100 French words and phrases to make you sound like a local during the Olympic Games

100 days to Paris 2024: Top things to follow on Olympics.com in the lead-up to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 

Paris 2024 Olympic flame lighting ceremony: Everything you need to know and how to watch live

100 days to go: 100 iconic places to discover in France before Paris 2024

New tickets for Paris 2024 to go on sale on 17 April

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