If you're looking for the hottest European island in May, you will want to head eastwards to Greece, where one popular island enjoys temperatures of around 25C throughout the month. Many Brits will be planning their summer getaways now, and some would like one sooner rather than later. If you are planning a May getaway, then the stunning and historic island of Crete, off the south coast of mainland Greece, is one of your best bets.

According to the travel experts at 101 Holidays, Crete is among the hottest European islands in May. TUI reports that Crete tends to enjoy temperatures as high as 25C in May, with conditions getting much hotter later in the summer. So, spring is a perfect time to visit if you don't want to be overwhelmed by temperatures in the high 20s or 30s. Plus, it will be a lot less crowded in May compared to months like July and August, when it can swell with tourists.

Crete has a plethora of things to do, such as the culturally rich city of Chania. However, people mostly flock there for its resorts and beaches.

Some of the best beaches in Crete include Elafonissi, which was named the top European beach for 2025 by TripAdvisor. People praise this beach for its serene setting, clear warm waters and amenities surrounding it.

However, some say it gets too crowded during the tourist season. One reviewer said: "The beach itself is beautiful. The pink sand is only right on the shore, but that doesn't detract from the beauty. It's true that there are far too many people there... but the beach is absolutely magnificent and is great for a walk or to spend the day there. It's a real highlight!"

But there are plenty of other stunning beaches on the island of Crete to enjoy, some of which aren't as crowded. Other choices include Balos Beach, Vai Beach and Preveli Beach, to name just a few.

Flights to Crete from the UK are relatively affordable, especially when you're not travelling during the high season. In May, some airlines operate return flights for under £100, depending on where you fly from.

Flights to airports in Crete operate from Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, London and Glasgow, among others.

TUI says of Crete in May: "During the day, temperatures often climb to a pleasant 25°C, with abundant sunshine encouraging outdoor activities. The moderate humidity ensures a comfortable experience, and the long daylight hours maximise the time available to explore Crete's stunning landscapes."

While the beaches are the top-rated things to do in Crete, past visitors also recommend experiencing Rethymnon Old Town, The Palace of Knossos, Lake Kournas and Chania's Old Venetian Harbour.

While it is one of many Greek islands, it is quite substantial in size. If you want to experience the whole island, you will probably have to rent a car.

One Reddit user said of their experience exploring the island: "Crete is maybe my favourite place to visit in all of Greece, yet I wouldn't want to go without a car. It's big, wild, and ripe for exploring, but I wouldn't want to spend a week in Chania."

Another wrote: "To be honest, as a lover of Crete, I don't see how the island may be enjoyed without a car. If I were you, I'd pick a small island in the Cyclades or Dodecanese or Ionian archipelago, not the biggest island in all of Greece."

However, if it is a relaxing beach holiday you're looking for, then you can stay in Chania or one of the other resort towns on the island.