Greece Holidays in May

May brings warm, settled weather to most of Greece, with the southern islands and Athens typically the first to feel the heat.

• Rhodes: Rhodes is one of the warmest and most dependable choices in May, with long dry spells and a sheltered southern coast that holds the heat well into the afternoon. Faliraki and Ixia both offer sandy beaches within easy reach of the medieval old quarter. The trade-off is that the island is busier than quieter options, so we recommend booking early for good resort rooms. It suits travellers who want reliable sunshine with plenty to do. It is exactly the brief our Rhodes holidays deals are built around.
• Crete: Crete offers warm May weather across its south and north coasts, and its size means you can find sun even when one side is breezy. The island's main airport gateway sits on the north coast, and the ancient ruins of the Minoan palace are only about 5 km away, so a warm morning of archaeology is easy to fit in. The island is large, so plan on hire car or transfers to reach beaches beyond the main resort strip. It is an excellent pick for travellers who want variety. It is exactly the brief our Crete holidays deals are built around.
• Corfu: Corfu is green and fresh in May, with warm days that are often a little softer than further south, which suits families and walkers. Its sandy beaches and shallow bays are good for swimming as the sea warms, and the island's Venetian streets are pleasant to explore before the heat builds. Flights from several UK airports make it straightforward to reach. It is a strong choice if you want greenery as well as sunshine. It is exactly the brief our Corfu holidays deals are built around.
• Athens: Athens is hot and dry in May, with daytime temperatures that favour early starts at the ancient hilltop citadel before the midday sun gets strong. Piraeus lies about 10 km from the centre and is the main ferry hub, so the city works well as a warm base before island hopping. The main drawback is that the city can feel hot in the afternoons, so plan indoor visits for the middle of the day. It suits culture lovers who enjoy a warm city break. It is exactly the brief our Athens holidays deals are built around.
• Kastellorizo: Kastellorizo is a small island in the Dodecanese, reached by ferry from the nearby larger island of the group, and it is warm and quiet in May. Its colourful harbour and few visitors give it a relaxed pace that many travellers find refreshing. Ferry services are less frequent than to larger islands, so schedules need checking before you commit. It is ideal for those who want warm weather away from the crowds.