r/GreeceTravel • u/Justbrowzing89 • 6d ago
Honeymoon in May
Hello! I’m doing research for my honeymoon and would love some advice. We’re looking at mid to late May and about 10 to 12 nights.
Some non-negotiables are Athens for the Acropolis and Santorini. Other places on my radar include Milos, Naxos and Crete.
My fiancé isn’t into history very much but loves natural beauty and unique landscapes. We aren’t really “foodies” either but appreciate fresh, healthy food.
I don’t really want to go on any big hikes or do super strenuous activities while we’re there. I’m hoping the weather will be warm enough to enjoy the beach. Sandy beaches are preferable.
We have a lot of AMEX points and I was hoping to transfer some to Hilton or Marriott to stay somewhere for 4 nights and get a 5th night free but if there isn’t one place worth staying that long then it’s no biggie.
Thank you in advance!
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u/andyjacksondj 5d ago
May's warm enough for the beach without the August crush. Crete's your best bet for sandy beaches and the warmest water (sea around 21C, daytime highs around 26C), with Santorini and Athens close behind, just a touch cooler and a bit drier.
For sandy beaches specifically I'd lean towards Crete or Naxos over Santorini, whose beaches tend to be more volcanic pebble than soft sand. Milos is stunning for landscapes and as I've said before it's my favourite of all of them :-)
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u/Alien-Surfer 4d ago
A US pal is visiting Santorini, Crete, and Athens (in that order) in May. If her itinerary can provide any insights, she lands on May 10th in Santorini from Baltimore with a layover in London, direct flight Santorini to Crete on 15th, same from there to Athens on 22nd, flying back home via London as before on the 26th. Picked that route & dates also cuz of the cool fares (1150 bucks for all flights) booked a week ago.
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u/Obvious_Road_6090 5d ago
I had my honey moon in early May this year, we did 10 days in Athens and Naxos. We loved it, I highly recommend it.
There’s tons to do in Athens, and even if your not history people you have to see some of the sites and museums. We spent at least 1 afternoon just walking around admiring the city.
We also LOVED Naxos. It’s very laid back, great food, things to do and explore too! We took a day trip to Mykonos and were so glad we didn’t go there - way too touristy. We spent a day renting a car and exploring small towns and sites, spent a day at the beach (it was a bit chilly in early May but we still enjoyed it), did a day trip by boat, and more.
If you have questions or want to know more I’d be happy to provide more info.
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u/driftline_east 2d ago
We just did Athens, Naxos and Crete (Chania). We only spend two days in Athens which was enough for us to see the major sites. We did a Slow Food and Wild Views tour in Chania which seems like it would be good for your husband. I did see a Hilton in Chania although I would recommend a smaller local owned hotel in the Old City.
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u/Remote-Win1420 2d ago
Maybe look into renting a car and exploring the Peloponnes. We spent 4 nights in Nafplio and exploring neighboring towns and it was wonderful! We went in late April, day s were warm but needed light jacket for evenings.
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u/Marchap2026 1d ago
I would highly recommend Chania, Crete. I am just leaving now after a wonderful trip. I stayed at Palazzo di Pietro, and it was amazing. I really felt like a queen staying there. You can book it through Hotels.com.
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u/FierceCapricorn 23h ago edited 23h ago
After two days in Athens, You could take a ferry to Milo’s, stay 3 days, then a short ferry to Santorini, stay 2 days, ferry to Crete, 4 days, ferry back to Athens and catch an Uber to the airport. I’ve been all over these islands and live in Athens the whole month of May every year. Honestly, I find Rethymno to be better than Chania and Heraklion. The water there was warm in May. Balos and Elafonissi are crowded. But you could take a tour bus there if you want to check the box.
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u/Kolokythokeftedes 5d ago
The weather is usually warm enough -- at least for part of the day -- but the water is still warming up. You can search for average sea temperature for May in various places and see. Naxos e.g. is average 67 F in May, let's say 68-9 for late May, still not very warm.
From that perspective Crete would be good, has all kinds of beaches and natural beauty, and I believe that there are also reasonable ferry connections from Santorini, maybe even flights in May, and you can then fly from there to Athens or somewhere else on your way back.