Complete travel information for your May journey
May is an excellent month to depart from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) for Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) because shoulder-season weather in Greece is warm and crowds are less intense than summer. Fares often begin to climb in late May, so book 2–3 months ahead for the best prices; midweek departures and connections via JFK, EWR, ATL, or major European hubs can reduce cost. For travelers based in Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota or Tampa, compare regional routes—sometimes driving to Miami or Tampa yields better non-stop transatlantic connections. Pack a light jacket for cooler Aegean evenings and verify airline baggage allowances before leaving RSW to avoid fees.
In May you can book one-way or round-trip flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) through major carriers and multi-leg itineraries. Typical itineraries connect through hubs such as Newark (EWR), JFK, Atlanta (ATL), or European gateways like London (LHR) and Frankfurt (FRA); total travel time commonly ranges 13–18+ hours depending on layovers. Search early and compare carriers to secure better prices for May travel.
Common access options to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) include ride-hailing apps, airport shuttle services, taxis, and private car services; several hotels in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples offer shuttle connections. In May, expect moderate traffic compared with winter high season, but allow extra time for security and international check-in procedures. For early morning departures, plan a hotel night near RSW to reduce stress.
No Greece-specific luggage rules apply beyond standard airline baggage policies, but travelers from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) should verify the baggage allowances of the operating carriers and check customs rules for items entering the EU. In May, Greece's tourist season is starting so some airlines enforce stricter carry-on limits on full flights; review airline baggage pages and pack accordingly. Always carry digital and physical copies of passports and required health documentation.
May fares from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) typically range from economy sale fares around $650–$1,100 round-trip to premium economy and business fares that are significantly higher. Prices depend on the airline, number of stops, and how far in advance you book; mid-week departures and flexible dates often yield lower prices. Use fare alerts and compare nearby departure airports—such as Tampa or Miami—for better deals.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) serves Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs and nearby tourist hubs like Sarasota and Tampa for connecting travelers. Passengers often combine RSW travel with drives to the Gulf Coast beaches or transfers to Miami for additional international options. If you need more flight options, consider checking departures from Tampa International or Miami International for expanded transatlantic schedules.
Route changes can occur seasonally; in May you should monitor airline schedules for any added summer service or reductions as carriers update routes for the high season. Check airline notifications, FAA advisories, and both Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) websites before departure for real-time updates. Signing up for flight status alerts is recommended for transatlantic travel.
May brings comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), making it an ideal month to arrive for city sightseeing or island hopping. For same-day ferry transfers, plan arrivals in the morning and pre-book fast ferries or domestic flights to popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini. If you’re heading to Thessaloniki or Crete, consider quick domestic flights from ATH. Purchase a subway ticket or arrange an airport transfer in advance to streamline your arrival into Athens, Piraeus, or regional destinations.
Arrivals at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) in May are generally smooth with pleasant spring weather and moderate passenger volumes before peak summer. Expect standard EU passport control queues and baggage reclaim; allow 60–90 minutes for immigration and luggage during busier arrival windows. Ground transport options include metro Line 3, suburban trains, taxis, and pre-booked transfers to Athens city center, Piraeus port, or island-bound connections.
Yes — many travelers arriving at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) in May connect onward to islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete (Heraklion) or Rhodes via Piraeus or Rafina ports. Plan for a 30–60 minute taxi or 40–60 minute metro+bus transfer to Piraeus; Rafina is closer for some Cyclades ferries. Consider overnighting in Athens city center if ferry schedules don’t align with flight arrival times and book high-speed ferries in advance during popular May weekends.
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) serves Athens city, Piraeus (for ferries to the islands), and regions like Delphi, Nafplio, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Thessaloniki via domestic flights or ground transport. Many passengers use ATH as a gateway to Greek island hopping—book internal flights or ferries early in May to secure seats and avoid schedule clashes. For drives to mainland attractions, car rental counters at ATH provide options for self-drive itineraries.
As of May, general COVID-19 entry restrictions for Greece are minimal for most vaccinated travelers, but requirements can change—check current Greek government and airline advisories before departure. Carry proof of vaccination or negative tests only if required by the airline or destination; also have travel insurance that covers health events. Always consult official sources like the Greek government travel portal and your airline for the latest entry rules.
Duty-free allowances into Greece follow EU rules: personal imports of alcohol and tobacco are limited by quantity and are subject to customs declaration if above allowance. Airlines set checked baggage policies for flights arriving at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), so verify airline rules before packing to avoid overweight fees. In May, seasonal shoppers sometimes take advantage of duty-free at ATH, but be mindful of connecting country allowances when transiting.
The fastest public option is Metro Line 3 from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to Syntagma or Monastiraki in roughly 40 minutes; taxis take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. For Piraeus port, a combination of metro and transfer bus or a taxi offers the most direct path—expect 45–60 minutes. During May, slightly lower traffic than summer helps speed transfers, but allow extra time for morning or evening peaks.
May in Athens is a lively month with events like the Athens & Epidaurus Festival beginning in late May (with classical theater and performances), local music festivals, and early-season island festivals in Santorini and Mykonos. Religious holidays and local celebrations may also produce processions and concerts in neighborhoods around central Athens and Piraeus. If your schedule is flexible, align your arrival at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) to coincide with these festivals but book accommodation early as weekend demand rises in May.
May is one of the best shoulder-season months to fly from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH): you’ll encounter pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and occasionally lower airfares if you book 6–12 weeks in advance. For the best combination of price and schedule, target mid-week departures and avoid holiday weekends. If you prefer lower temperatures and lower hotel rates, early May is ideal; if you want warmer sea temperatures, consider late May but be ready for rising fares.
Because Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) rarely offers nonstop service to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), most travelers opt for one- or two-stop itineraries. One-stop connections (via hubs like JFK, ATL, or LHR) often reduce travel time and complexity but can cost more; two-stop options can save money but increase the risk of missed connections. For May travel, weigh shorter overall travel time against savings—book through itineraries on a single ticket to protect your connections, or if seeking lowest fares, piece together separate legs carefully and allow generous connection time.
Common routings from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) include combinations of U.S. carriers (Delta, American, United) to European hubs and major European carriers (British Airways, Lufthansa) onward to ATH. Aegean Airlines frequently operates the final European leg into Athens with high reliability. Choose based on priorities: Delta and American often provide convenient U.S. domestic connections; Lufthansa and British Airways offer strong transatlantic schedules to Greece. Compare seat comfort, baggage policies, and alliance benefits when selecting May itineraries.
In May, pack lightweight layers, a light rain jacket for occasional showers, and comfortable walking shoes for Athens cobblestones. Book ferries and domestic flights early for island travel from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) as late-May demand increases; consider travel insurance that covers schedule changes. For departures from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), plan airport arrival 2–3 hours before international flights and check TSA and airline updates. CTA: Check weather and book transfers now for a smooth May trip from RSW to ATH.
Direct nonstop service between Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) is uncommon; most May itineraries include one or two stops. Typical total travel time ranges from about 13 hours (efficient one-stop via a major U.S./European hub) up to 20+ hours for longer or overnight connections. Recommended connection windows: 90–180 minutes for international transfers in U.S. hubs and 2–4 hours in European hubs when changing carriers or rechecking bags. Look for overnight transatlantic segments to maximize daytime arrival in Athens for sightseeing.
To score cheap flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) in May, set fare alerts and search flexible date ranges +/- 3 days. Compare itineraries that route through common hubs like Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK/EWR), Boston (BOS), London (LHR), and Frankfurt (FRA); occasionally a split ticket—domestic to a major hub, then an international fare—reduces cost. Also check departures from Tampa or Miami for expanded direct or one-stop transatlantic options. Use secondary keyword phrases like 'budget flights Fort Myers to Athens' and LSI terms such as 'cheap transatlantic May deals' when searching. CTA: Compare fares now and set alerts to lock in low May prices.