May is an excellent time to travel, with pleasant weather, longer days, and fewer crowds than the peak summer season. Across Europe, destinations come alive with blooming landscapes and a more relaxed pace, ideal for exploring. Some of the best places to travel in May include:
- Sorrento, Italy
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Andalucia, Spain
- Sicily, Italy
- Cannes, France
These destinations offer a mix of culture, scenery, and memorable experiences, with warm weather and ideal conditions for sightseeing.
Top destinations to visit in May
1. Sorrento, Italy
Why visit Sorrento in May:
A holiday in Sorrento at this time of year is perfect for experiencing the region, with fewer crowds than the peak summer season. It offers mild temperatures, clear skies, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for exploring both the town and the surrounding coastline, as well as using it as a base for nearby sights.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Explore the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city remarkably preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offering a captivating glimpse into everyday Roman life.
- Visit the island of Capri, where dramatic coastal scenery meets effortless Italian glamour, featuring the famous Blue Grotto, scenic clifftop walks, and charming piazzas.
- Take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast, passing pastel-coloured villages perched on steep cliffs above turquoise waters, visiting iconic locations such as Positano and Amalfi town.
- Discover Sorrento town, where narrow streets wind through fragrant lemon groves, colourful ceramics shops, and sun-drenched piazzas, all set against sweeping views over the Bay of Naples.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Why visit Dubrovnik in May:
It's a wonderful time of year to take a holiday in Dubrovnik, with warm spring sunshine and fewer crowds making it ideal for exploring at a relaxed pace. This coastal gem enchants visitors with its medieval architecture, gleaming limestone streets, and the dramatic backdrop of the Adriatic Sea.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik Old Town, enclosed by historic stone walls and filled with churches, palaces, and lively squares.
- Walk the city walls of Dubrovnik, enjoying elevated views over red-roofed buildings, the harbour, and the Adriatic Sea, offering one of the best ways to understand the city’s layout.
- Take the cable car up Mount Srd, for sweeping views across the coastline and nearby islands, particularly striking on a clear, sunny day.
- Enjoy a boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands, known for quiet coves, small villages, and crystal-clear waters away from the bustle of the city.
- Visit Korcula, a charming island with a medieval old town, narrow stone streets, and a noticeably slower pace than Dubrovnik.
3. Andalucia, Spain
Why visit Andalucia in May:
Visit Andalucía to enjoy warm, comfortable conditions and fewer crowds than the height of summer. The region is particularly pleasant in spring, with colourful patios, citrus trees in bloom, and conditions well suited to exploring at a relaxed pace.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Explore the Alhambra in Granada, a hilltop palace complex built during Moorish rule in Spain, renowned for its intricate Islamic architecture, decorative tilework, and landscaped gardens overlooking the city.
- Discover the historic city of Córdoba, with its atmospheric old town and riverside setting, centred around the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, a striking monument reflecting centuries of cultural and religious history, known for its arches, columns, and distinctive interior.
- Visit the historic centre of Seville, where highlights include the Real Alcázar of Seville and the expansive Plaza de España, both standout architectural landmarks showcasing the city’s rich heritage.
- Wander the old town of Antequera, known for its historic streets and viewpoints, and visit the nearby Dolmen de Menga, one of Europe’s largest prehistoric burial sites set within a dramatic natural landscape.
4. Sicily, Italy
Why visit Sicily in May:
It's a delightful time to visit Sicily, with warm, pleasant weather and fewer visitors than the peak summer season. The island offers a rich mix of cultures, landscapes, and history, making it well suited to exploring at a relaxed pace.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Visit the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, with opportunities to explore its craters and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
- Explore the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina, dramatically set above the coastline with sweeping views towards the sea and Mount Etna in the distance.
- Discover the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic island group recognised for their rugged scenery and UNESCO World Heritage status.
- Experience the historic city of Palermo, where Arab-Norman architecture, bustling markets, and historic churches reflect Sicily’s layered history.
- Explore the coastal city of Syracuse, known for its archaeological park and the atmospheric island of Ortigia.
- Visit the city of Catania, known for its baroque architecture, lively atmosphere, and bustling markets, with historic streets, grand squares, and a strong local food scene.
- Stay in Giardini Naxos, a relaxed seaside resort known for its long beach and clear waters.
5. Cannes, France
Why visit Cannes in May:
A French Riviera holiday at this time of year offers warm Mediterranean weather and a lively atmosphere as Cannes is transformed into the world’s stage for the glamorous Cannes Film Festival.
Top attractions and things to do:
- Stroll along the Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes, a palm-lined boulevard with beaches, luxury hotels, and designer boutiques, then wander up to Le Suquet, the Old Town, with cobbled streets and hilltop harbour views
- Spend a day in Nice, exploring its Old Town, lively flower markets, and the famous Promenade des Anglais along the seafront.
- Discover Antibes, known for its historic ramparts, charming old streets, and picturesque marina.
- Visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a beautifully preserved hilltop village with galleries, stone lanes, and a strong artistic heritage.
- Explore Villa Rothschild and its gardens, offering elegant design, peaceful surroundings, and panoramic coastal views.
- Head to Grasse, the world-famous perfume capital, with historic fragrance houses and a hilltop setting overlooking the countryside.
- Take a day trip to Monaco, known for its harbour, casino district, and dramatic coastal scenery.
Ready to travel in May?
May strikes a perfect balance, with mild weather, vibrant landscapes, and manageable crowds, it’s one of the best times of year to explore. Start planning your May getaway and create unforgettable memories in remarkable destinations across Europe.
