Spring is a wonderful time to visit Greece. Whether you are in a city, village, or island, spring makes its first appearance in March and reaches full bloom in April through to May. As hints of winter melt away, the colours of spring add to the beauty of Greece’s landscapes and these Greek destinations are just the perfect holiday spots to enjoy springtime in Greece.
Samaria Gorge
Where: Crete, White Mountains National Park.
Why: Because it’s one of the longest and especially in spring, naturally beautiful gorges in the world & the longest in Europe. The 6-8 hour hike is not for everyone and requires some preparation but you’ll reap many rewards as you pass through lush landscapes. Also because it’s too cold in winter and too hot in summer, during spring, hiking along the gorge is easier.
Don’t Miss: Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife as around 450 species are thought to inhabit the area.
Andros
Where: In the Cycladic Island group, 1-2 hours from Athens’ Rafina port.
Why: Because, unlike its neighbours, globally popular hiking destination Andros (named Ydroussa in antiquity because of how much water springs around the island) has lush nature that is especially glorious in spring.
Don’t Miss: The waterfalls of Pithara, the old stone bridges of Aladinou and Stichiomeni, Achla river and beach, the hike from Chora to Apoikia, from Arni to Vourkoti, the villages of Sineti and Aidonia.
Zagori
Where: Zagori is in the eastern and central area of the Pindus mountains of Epirus.
Why: Because the area, made up of 48 architecturally harmonious villages from the 1700s and fabulous natural landscapes like the Vikos Gorge, Europe’s deepest, is immersed in lush natural beauty.
Don’t Miss: Go rafting in Voidomatis river or horseback riding in Megalo Papingo village, dine on hand-picked mushrooms in Vitsa and meditate on old arched stone bridges above tranquil waters.
Tzoumerka
Where: In the mountainous region between Ioannina and Arta.
Why: To reawaken your winter-dulled senses with incredible mountain views, fresh air and lush greenery.
Don’t Miss: Connect with local culture in the 47 picturesque and vibrant Tzoumerkohoria (villages), cross the Arachthos gorge (there’s a bridge!) hike along the Syrrako – Kalarrytes river path and see the Anemontrypa Cave, walk the Kouiassa Pouliana path and visit the the National Park of Tzoumerka where brown bears, wild goats, otters and deer live.
Lake Kerkini
Where: In Central Macedonia, Northern Greece.
Why: Because this man-made lake is home to over 300 bird species, numerous other animals including free-roaming water buffalo, and 1300 plant species.
Don’t Miss: Trying out scenic hiking, boat rides, horseback riding adventures.
Methana
Where: Eastward of Peloponnese and southwest of Piraeus.
Why: Because you might just see 120 types of orchids in this lush, volcanic seaside haven.
Don’t Miss: The hot springs in the southeast seacoast of the peninsula, the ruins of the Acropolis of ancient Methana which dates to the 4th C B.C. and Steno, where you’ll see ruins of ancient walls built by the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War, and the pine-clad islet of Saint Theodoroi, which is connected to Methana town by a road.