May is a golden month for travelers, blending shoulder-season value with delightful weather worldwide. Thessaloniki, Greece’s vibrant second city, tops the list for a standout European escape.
Whether you crave history, culture, beach days, or buzzing nightlife, this ancient yet youthful hub delivers. Here’s why Thessaloniki shines in May 2025.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Best for a European city break
Founded in 315 BCE, Thessaloniki pulses with timeless modern energy. In May, with average highs of 24°C (75°F), the city comes alive outdoors. Locals—bolstered by a lively student crowd—spill into Navarinou Square, sipping strong coffee or tsipouro (grape brandy) at pavement cafés. Rooftop bars fling open their doors, catching the season’s first warm breezes. It’s balmy enough for a beach day, too: head 25km (15 miles) south to Blue Flag Epanomi or take a 2–3-hour bus to Halkidiki’s famed turquoise waters.
History buffs will revel in Thessaloniki’s layered past. Wander Egnatia, a Roman-era thoroughfare lined with relics like the Arch of Galerius and ruined palaces, alongside churches and vendors hawking koulouri (sesame-crusted pretzel rings). The waterfront, anchored by the iconic White Tower, invites strolls or bike rides, stretching to the port’s Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and Ladadika, a former bazaar now bursting with restaurants and late-night haunts. Climb to Ano Poli, the Upper Town, where Ottoman alleys weave a chaotic, atmospheric maze.
May’s mild weather amplifies the city’s charm. The buzz moves from cozy interiors to sunlit squares, and the proximity to pristine beaches makes it a versatile getaway. Dive into neighborhoods rich with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman echoes, then unwind with a seaside dip or a night of rooftop revelry.
Planning tip: Base yourself near the waterfront for easy access to sights and nightlife. Pack light layers—days are warm, but evenings can cool off.
Thessaloniki in May blends ancient allure with a youthful spirit, offering a perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and affordability. It’s a city break that rouses your wanderlust and leaves you longing to return.
The 12 best places to visit in May 2025, according to Lonely Planet
1. Thessaloniki, Greece
Best for a European City Break
2. Barbados
Best for Surfing
3. Great Smoky Mountains, USA
Best for Fireflies
4. Newfoundland, Canada
Best for Iceberg Watching
5. Uzbekistan
Best for a Train Journey
6. Norway
Best for Exploring on the Water
7. Belize
Best for Ancient Ruins
8. Memphis, USA
Best for Music
9. Murcia, Spain
Best for Culinary Delights
10. Bali, Indonesia
Best for Food and Island Life
11. Chobe and the Okavango, Botswana
Best for Wildlife
12. Uluru, Australia
Dream Trip: Embrace Spirituality