Greece trip in May
Jun 29th, 2019 | 11:29 AM
#1
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Greece trip in May
We are planning a 10-14 day Trip to Greece next spring for husband and I (mid 30s) for a honey moon and need some advice.In doing research it seems May is the best time to go, would early May or late even into June be better, we are looking into mostly island hopping and spending 1-2 days in Athens., we really enjoy the beach and like a lively atmosphere but I understand it gets too crowded in the summer months. As of right now we are planning to do Santorini,and perhaps Mykonos as well but I don’t know if they are both two crowded/expensive and just to choose one of the more famous islands. I also really want to to either Paros/antiparos or Naxos but can’t decide which one. t. Crete seems amazing too but it seems as it would need its whole other trip to do.Any advice for a couple for the first time to Greece and to Europe in general would be great.
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Flying from Los Angeles
Jun 29th, 2019 | 02:19 PM
#2
Joined: Dec 2006
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I thought May was a wonderful time to visit Greece!
1 or 2 days isn't much for Athens, but if your intent is to focus on islands, that could work for you. I agree that deferring Crete until you can give it more time makes sense. I loved Naxos, but haven't been to Paros or Antiparos, and so can't compare.
I would strongly encourage you to get a good guidebook or two -- perhaps the Michelin Green Guide or Rough Guide. I recommend guidebooks for all travelers, even experienced ones, but especially for people who haven't traveled to an area before because you will learn things that you'd never think to ask.
If you haven't already seen it, you might find some useful information in my trip report:
With Gratitude for a Glorious Solo Month in Greece
Have fun planning!
1 or 2 days isn't much for Athens, but if your intent is to focus on islands, that could work for you. I agree that deferring Crete until you can give it more time makes sense. I loved Naxos, but haven't been to Paros or Antiparos, and so can't compare.
I would strongly encourage you to get a good guidebook or two -- perhaps the Michelin Green Guide or Rough Guide. I recommend guidebooks for all travelers, even experienced ones, but especially for people who haven't traveled to an area before because you will learn things that you'd never think to ask.
If you haven't already seen it, you might find some useful information in my trip report:
With Gratitude for a Glorious Solo Month in Greece
Have fun planning!
Jun 29th, 2019 | 10:49 PM
#3
Joined: Feb 2003
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May is a great time to go to Greece for sightseeing, but sea water is still very cold. Opt for late May or early June if beaches are a priority. June is still outside high season, so Naxos and Paros won’t be crowded. With 14 days you won’t have a problem fitting in both Naxos and Paros, so you don’t have to decide between the two. I’ve been to Naxos several times, but prefer Paros and stay on Antiparos.
Jun 30th, 2019 | 02:09 AM
#5
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Yes, sea temperatures in early June are bracing, but it's warm enough for sunbathing and quick dips. According to https://sailingissues.com/seawater-t...es-greece.html surface sea temperature in Crete is only 0.6C (about 1 degree F) warmer in June than in the Cyclades. Sheltered coves are usually warmer than long sandy beaches where the current moves the water around.
Jun 30th, 2019 | 10:06 AM
#6
Joined: Dec 2013
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I would say very late May or early June...go too early and things in some spots are still not open...everything operating on reduced schedule. Also this past years weather in May is not as predictable as it once was...last year very early June we got more clouds and a bit of rain that ever before. As mentioned the sea is still cold but with some serious sun it is actually refreshing.
Jun 30th, 2019 | 10:36 AM
#7
Joined: Aug 2017
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I know you mentioned beaches, and Santorini is not known for that-- but, there is something about being on that caldera, above the clouds, that is otherworldly! It is easy to understand why people honeymoon there.
We loved 5 nights in Santorini. Were not wild about Athens, though.
If you're interested, I recommend staying near Imerovigli on Santorini. We stayed at the Gold Suites there, and loved it.
It's the perfect place for the view (photo taken from our hotel):
We loved 5 nights in Santorini. Were not wild about Athens, though.
If you're interested, I recommend staying near Imerovigli on Santorini. We stayed at the Gold Suites there, and loved it.
It's the perfect place for the view (photo taken from our hotel):
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