Please sign in to post.

Swimming-Realistic?

We will be traveling to Greece 5/9-25 with several island stops including Santorini and Crete. There are several afternoons of "possible swimming" beach activities scheduled. It looks like temperature highs in the mid-to-upper 70's and lows in the mid-fifties. That's not really swimming weather around here. Should I really be thinking about taking up luggage space with a bathing suit?

Posted by
4217 posts

I swam off the mainland in late May; it is a possibility toward the end of the trip certainly (less likely in the first half, but the depth of the sea bed can make a difference). A swimsuit does not exactly take up much space (roll it), but then you could also buy one or swim in shorts if you wanted to.

Posted by
1735 posts

I don't like cold water, I can even say that I hate it, but I always swim in May in the Greek islands.

The important thing is to find a place with not too deep water and a calm sea.
Given the weight of the bathing suits you can take the risk of carrying one in your luggage.

Posted by
1363 posts

The average May sea temp in both Santorini and Crete is F 66-67 degrees.

Posted by
342 posts

Thank you to all. I suppose finding a clothing-optional beach would solve all the packing problems! :)

Posted by
1735 posts

I suppose finding a clothing-optional beach would solve all the
packing problems! :)

Nudism is allowed in the Greek islands but generally in specific beaches

Posted by
1363 posts

Vlychada on Santorini is a clothes-optional beach.

Posted by
15560 posts

Average temps for May don't tell you much. Early in May the water will be chilly, probably warm enough to go for a dip (bracing :-), but not enough to stay in more than 10-15 minutes. As time goes on, weather typically gets warmer and so does the sea. I've been to beaches on the Peloponnese, all very pebbly and water shoes were a must. On Naxos the beaches were sandy.

Posted by
135 posts

I took the best of Greece tour in early April this year. I swam when we were in Kardamyli and Hydra. Was it cold? yes. Was it refreshing? absolutely!