If you are used to the images and experiences of Greece during the summer, then Greece in the spring will be a wonderful revelation. Nothing is the same. Even classic vacation destinations, like the islands or even Athens, are transformed into lush, colorful paintings in honor of nature’s awakening!
Spring in Greece is beautiful everywhere. It doesn’t matter where you go. Even in the case of sunny islands like the Cyclades, you will have the unique chance to see them dressed in the green of their nature, with scents that you can never discover except during this season.
1 – Athens
Spring in Athens, with the wonderful climate of Attica, is the ideal season to stroll around the Greek capital.
Enjoy visits to sites such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora and the Panathenaic Stadium under the Athenian sun which certainly shines, but which still allows outdoor walks in the middle of the day. Rediscover areas like Plaka, Monastiraki and the pedestrian route around the Acropolis without the mass tourists but in the charming company of the locals.
Do not hesitate to rediscover the monuments of this mythical city under the softness of the spring flowers; you will love the experience.
+ info: https://www.thisisathens.org/en
2. Nafplio
Nafplion is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. The ancient capital of Greece is picturesque and charming. Travel to a city filled with medieval influences and some truly remarkable landmarks. Admire Palamidi, a Venetian fortress with incredible views from above. Visit the Bourtzi Water Tower, reachable by a short boat ride from the picturesque harbour. Undoubtedly, the cobbled streets and squares, the green nature and the unique gastronomy make Nafplion a wonderful solution in spring.
+ info: https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/peloponnese/nafplio
3. Hydra
In the heart of the Saronic Islands, Hydra is ideal for short trips from Athens in the spring! The picturesque island is full of elegant mansions, picturesque architecture is to be discovered through numerous hiking trails that lead to impressive places with sea views and historic monasteries.
Explore the whole island with treks which are very popular in Hydra as there are no motor vehicles. Cross the ancient paths of the island, leading to ancient monasteries, secluded beaches and peaks with breathtaking views of the Saronic Sea.
+ info: https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/saronic-islands/hydra
4. Chios
Chios and its famous traditional medieval village Mesta offer a poetic landscape especially during this time of the year. By crossing the door of the castle, the “Door of the Captain”, you will feel the grandiose atmosphere of this medieval village, built under the particular aroma of its mastiha (natural and aromatic resin from the mastiha tree).
+info: https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/north-aegean-islands/chios/
5. Kastoria
Visit Kastoria and the sublime Lake Orestadia!
The perfect outing for a spring morning: Explore Kastoria on the shores of Lake Orestiada, designated as a Place of Extraordinary Natural Beauty. Hike along the tip of the peninsula. An 8km loop allows you to appreciate the magical glow of sunrise, the morning bustle of at least 150 species of birds and the perfect mirror formed by the lake, reflecting the city masterfully.
+info: https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/macedonia/kastoria
6. Meteora
An interesting proposal for a first spring excursion: Meteora. The mild temperatures lend themselves to exploring six still intact Byzantine monasteries here, seemingly floating in the sky above ancient pinnacles formed thousands of years ago in the Pindus mountain range.
Continue your route, ideal for hiking and biking, and explore the region with day trips to Kalambaka, Lake Plastira, Trikala and many other places in Central Greece.
+ info: https://visitmeteora.travel
7. Grevena
Savor nature and beauty in the shade of Pindus. Walks in the forests, the lakes and in the traditional Wallachian villages, constitute the ideal framework for your spring holidays.
The variety of the ecosystem will enchant you in the Pindus National Park. The “warm” valley of Valia Kalda, embraced by high peaks. The thousand colors of spring leaves, the smell of herbs.
Explore the hidden treasures of Grevena through the stone bridges, picturesque elements of the region: you will recognize the art and the passion in each of their stones which gracefully adorns the banks of the rivers.
+ info: https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/macedonia/grevena
8. Crete
Spring in Crete is one of the most exciting times of the year! Nature is at its best: colorful flowers, fragrant herbs and lush trees bloom here and there. The tourist season has not started yet, the Cretan nature invites you to discover it.
A hike along the Samaria Gorge, one of the most impressive in Europe, is a unique opportunity to discover the nature of the island in any season, but even more so in spring! The hike, which can last up to 7 hours, takes you from the Omalos plateau to the southern coast of Crete.
+ info: https://www.incrediblecrete.gr/en
9. Olympia
Spring is an ideal season to discover or rediscover Olympia, which hosted the Olympic Games during Antiquity. Take advantage of exceptional and privileged conditions to visit this timeless site thanks to mild temperatures and the lowest number of tourists present at this time. The beauty of these exceptional remains is enhanced by a generous nature and resplendent with colors in this season.
In the spring of 2024, after being lit in Greece at the ancient site of Olympia, the Olympic flame will reach Marseilles by sea, aboard the Belém, a majestic three-master to mark the launch of its relay across France as part of of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
+ info: https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/peloponnese/olympia
10. Veria
Spring is THE season to visit the city of Véria, admire and smell the more than eight billion flowers that bloom each year in the peach trees on more than 170,000 hectares of the fertile plain of Imathia.
The variety of fruit trees, the richness of the plain, offers with its flowering a pink, white and red mosaic of extraordinary beauty.
Descend to the village of Mesi and Ammos or head to Vergina to visit the archaeological site of Aigai with its important remains such as the monumental palace or the necropolis containing more than three hundred burial mounds, among others, the royal tombs of Philip II.
Discover the bike rides and other activities in the peach blossoms organized in the region!
And for the more… adventurous. continue to the dam, man-made lakes and Aliakmons Strait.
+info: https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/macedonia/veria
