Which Greek islands are best for a spring visit?

Spring is the perfect time to head for the Mediterranean and the beauty of the Greek islands. Renting holiday homes and immersing yourself in the culture is the best way to really experience this stunning part of the world. With summer temperatures climbing into the mid 30C, the climate in springtime lets you explore the real Greece.
Head for the Ionian islands
These islands just off the mainland have long been a popular destination, thanks to their lush green landscape and easy flight times from the UK. If you loved The Durrells on TV, then you’ll head straight for glorious Corfu, but if you want to avoid the crowds, then the southern islands of Zante and Kefalonia simply have it all.
If you dream of white sandy beaches and turquoise seas, then the beaches on Kefalonia are some of the most beautiful in Greece – in fact, Myrtos beach has been voted the best in Greece 12 times.
Visit in spring and you won’t want to miss the incredible May Day festival, when the entire island celebrates the coming of summer. Holiday homes are available across the island, so you can choose whether to stay in one of the elegant towns or head for a beachside apartment.
Beautiful climate
Zante, or Zakynthos as it is sometimes known, is just a boat ride from Kefalonia and it shares the same beautiful springtime climate. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches including the stunning Navagio beach in Shipwreck Bay, which can only be reached by boat.
Explore the incredible blue caves or the cultural treasures of Zakynthos Town, with its superb Venetian architecture. Zante has a reputation as a party island during the summer, so if you want to enjoy everything it has to offer without the crowds, visit in spring and have the beaches and museums to yourself.
Must see sights
If Greek culture is high on your list of must-sees, then Crete is unmissable. The Palace of Knossos, site of the fabled labyrinth with the Minotaur at its centre, is a World Heritage site for good reason. Believed to be Europe’s oldest city, and mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, there’s been a settlement here since the Bronze Age.
Crete is packed with treasures, many of which can be found in the Heraklion Archeological Museum. But for real drama and mystery, head for the birthplace of Zeus, high on the slopes of Mount Ida. The hike to the Dikteon Cave, like the Samaria Gorge, features breathtaking scenery and is not to be missed.
Why you need to head for Greece in the spring
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoors type or you just need to feel the sun on your skin, the Greek islands have it all. From the incredible beaches to mountain meadows filled with wildflowers, the landscapes are never less than stunning. And with fewer people around, you can afford to relax and take your time, immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of your surroundings.
Enjoying these beautiful islands without the crowds is a special experience and you’ll find that off-season prices are incredibly affordable. So which Greek islands are best for a spring visit? We’ve shared our choices, but there are so many islands to enjoy, you’ll want to return every year!