For warm Mediterranean sunshine in May, without the bustle of the school holiday crowds – or the summer scorch and higher prices – Greece is about as good as it gets. A trip in May provides a delicious escape from all that is dreary and dull, offering turquoise seas, pine-clad hills, sandy beaches, a beguiling culture and ancient sites just waiting to welcome you.
May also heralds festival time in many parts of Greece. On May Day, a national holiday, expect colourful parades and the ‘Feast of the Flowers’, which dates back to ancient times. Greeks traditionally spend their day outside enjoying picnics, flying kites and picking wild flowers. The pretty blooms are then made into decorations, which hang on doors or balconies until 29th August when the Feast of St John is celebrated and the flowers are burned ceremoniously on a bonfire.
If you happen to be in Pelion on the Greek Mainland, on 1st May, the village of Trikeri celebrates the Feast of Flowers with a traditional wedding. All the local women wear costumes and everyone gathers at the village square to drink local wine and dance.
On the 18th May, it’s International Monuments Day, which is celebrated with free admission to many museums and archaeological sites.
The countryside is also at its freshest and most colourful in May and good, independent walking opportunities can be enjoyed almost everywhere in Greece. Guided walks are offered locally in Ithaca, Skopelos and Tilos, among other destinations. Holidays to Amorgos in the Cyclades include a walking guidebook.
Crete, being the southernmost area of Greece and found on the same latitude as Tunisia, perhaps offers the best chance for the warmest weather. Walking routes abound – you could even attempt its mountain ranges (they rise up to 8,000 feet) or hike the Samaria Gorge – arguably Europe’s deepest. For less ambitious hiking, the North West coastal region around Apokoronas is highly recommended. Or there’s dolphin watching, shady squares to paint, wild orchids to spot, Minoan ruins to amble around and – of course – wonderful beaches to walk along and laze upon.
For a final date in your ‘May in Greece’ calendar, walking of a more exclusive nature takes place between 21st and 23rd May, when the Anasternaria fire-walking festival takes place. This is a celebration of Saints Constantine and Eleni, which dates back to pagan times. Barefoot villagers from Agia Elleni and Langada near Thessaloniki, clasp icons of the saints and dance over pits filled with hot coals without getting burned. Perhaps it’s not for everyone, but it’s well worth a look!
Mary Ferry
