Athens, Greece

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Why spring is a great time to holiday in the Med

From fine weather to less crowded streets, here’s why a spring sojourn to the Mediterranean is always a good idea

May 2023

By Liz Darke

We all love a summer holiday but why not get away sooner in the year? There are so many advantages to holidaying in springtime, especially in the much-loved Med. From a seven-day jaunt to an extensive 21-day adventure, we’ve got a plethora of itineraries that sail around the Mediterranean Sea in the months from March to May – and for good reason. Discover why spring is the smart season for a Mediterranean getaway…

More manageable weather

However much you love sunshine, peak summer months in the Mediterranean can sometimes be too hot for comfort. Visiting in spring, however, means that temperatures will usually be cooler but still wonderfully warm. Less intense heat allows for more adventurous activities too, such as climbing a volcano off the coast of Santorini or ascending the 80 steps to arrive at the mighty Acropolis in Athens.

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

See Barcelona's stunning Sagrada Família with fewer crowds © Princess

Fewer crowds

With spring being off-season, you’re sure to have a bit more room to yourself in some of the region’s most popular destinations, which could also mean shorter queues at bucket-list attractions, like Gaudí’s iconic La Sagrada Família in Barcelona or the Trevi Fountain in Rome. You’ll also likely find it a little easier to get into popular restaurants, which is a big plus if you’re on a foodie-focused trip.

Cheaper flights

Another key benefit of holidaying off-season is cheaper airfares, which is a huge benefit when boarding or disembarking your ship abroad. A little hunting around online can uncover very reasonably priced flights to your chosen port, setting you up with some extra cash to spend onboard (hello, Lotus Spa!) or while on a shore excursion.

Couple in Kotor, Montenegro

Escape the grey clouds at home with a spring break © Princess

Kick-start your holiday season

As we’ve mentioned above, there’s no need to wait until summer to head off on an overseas adventure. If winter’s still dragging its feet or the spring rain showers have arrived, then you’ve already got plenty of reason to escape to sunnier climes. Home will seem like a distant memory as you relax on Grecian sands, such as those found on Corfu’s Glyfada Beach, visitable on an ultimately relaxing shore excursion.

Unmissable annual events

Spring can more than hold its own against summer when it comes to festivals and great events, especially around the Med. One of Naples’ most important cultural events, Maggio dei Monumenti, begins in April and offers visitors the chance to see one-off art exhibitions and explore architecturally significant buildings that are normally closed to the public. For something a little sweeter, April sees French strawberry festivals take place in both Salon-de-Provence or Carpentras (both reachable from Marseille), while Florence’s Taste Festival in February is packed with superlative Italian fare.

Ready for a springtime Med adventure?

See our Mediterranean itineraries at princess.com

Discover more Med holiday inspiration

About the Author

Liz Darke

Liz Darke

Liz is the editor of Journey. She's a seasoned journalist, who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Barcelona, Puglia in southern Italy and Mexico next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!