Spring can be the best time to visit Greece, before the hordes of package holidaymakers take over the beach resorts. Cooler temperatures also make it easier to appreciate the country’s treasure trove of historic attractions.
Unlike the islands, many of which close down between October and May, the Greek mainland has a year-round tourism industry and there are regular flights from the UK.
British Airways, easyJet and Olympic Airways offer direct scheduled flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city and gateway to the north. Charter flights to Kalamata, in the southern Peloponnese, Preveza on the west coast and Volos on the east coast start in early May. Alternatively, visitors can fly to Zante and take a ferry to the western Peloponnese.
The weather is perfect in April and May for walking, cycling or touring holidays, particularly around Halkidiki in the northeast and in the Peloponnese in the southern part of the mainland.
It rarely rains and temperatures hover just below 20C. “People come here at this time of year for the beautiful landscape,” said Greek National Tourism Organisation UK director Makis Peppas. “They are not coming for the sun and for the beach, but for a chance to explore and discover the real Greece.”
Halkidiki, a three-pronged peninsula jutting into the Aegean Sea, is one of the greenest regions in Greece and packed with historic and religious sights, including Mount Athos, which is home to more than 20 monasteries.
Thessaloniki, the birthplace of Alexander the Great, is nearby. The area is great for walking and birdwatching, being one of the few places in Greece with a network of marked trails.
“Spring is a great time to go for a relaxing holiday,” said Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides. “It’s fairly quiet and prices are lower than in the summer, but the weather is still very pleasant.”
The landscape in the Peloponnese is at its best from mid March to early May, when there is a vivid display of wild flowers on the Mani peninsula, creating a stunning backdrop for the region’s wealth of archaeological attractions. “This is the most popular region at this time of year, probably because it is a little warmer than the north,” added Peppas.
Demand for holidays to the Greek mainland during the shoulder season has remained steady over the past few years and comes mainly from empty-nesters and retired clients, as well as young families who want to take a holiday before the peak-season pricing kicks in.
“It attracts people who want a quieter break and those who want to do more than just lie on the beach,” added Lambrianides.
City stay: Athens
It’s much nicer to walk around the city’s historic attractions in the spring than during the sticky heat of the summer and the crowds won’t be so big. Don’t miss the New Acropolis Museum, a magnificent glass and steel structure built to house ancient statues from the Acropolis, which will be partially open to the public this spring.
Sample package:Superbreak has three nights’ bed and breakfast in the three-star Plaka Hotel, positioned on the lowest slopes of the Acropolis, for £192 per person twin-share in mid April. Flights with easyJet cost from £76 return. Keith Prowse Attractions has new city tours from £35 and a day cruise to Hydra, Poros and Aegina from £63.
Hiking: Pelion
The Pelion peninsula in eastern mainland Greece is a green, mountainous corner of the mainland on the edge of the Aegean Sea, with pine forests on its highest slopes that descend into orchards and vineyards. Old villages are linked by stone-paved tracks and mule paths, from which there are views of the coast.
Sample package:Walks Worldwide has an eight-day self-guided tour with four nights’ accommodation in the village of Mouressi and three nights in the beach resort of Kala Nera from £795 per person, with flights, most meals and maps. Departures are available in May, June and September.
Spa break: Sani
Sani is a purpose-built resort on the west coast of the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki. Its good quality hotels are set around a peaceful harbour and surrounded by lush green countryside. It’s quiet and relaxing with low-key nightlife provided by a few tavernas.
Sample package:Olympic Holidays has seven nights’ half-board at the four-star-plus Sani Beach Hotel, which has a spa, from £499 including flights in May. Other activities include tennis, mountain biking and water sports on the three-mile beach.
Historical tour: Peloponnese
Many of Greece’s key national treasures lie in this region of southern mainland Greece, including Olympia, Delphi and the Temple of Athena, Epidavros and its 4th century BC theatre, Mycenae and the Byzantine ghost town of Mystras.
It’s easy to combine them in a round trip, starting in Athens. The Peloponnese and its sights are particularly attractive in the spring when the flowers are in bloom.
Sample package: Explore has a 14-day Peloponnese Explorer coach tour departing on May 4 and 18, from £994 per person including flights, bed-and-breakfast accommodation and services of a tour leader.
