Seven Sunny Holiday Destinations to Visit in May Across Europe and Beyond
As spring blossoms across the UK, with warmer weather bringing out flowers and bees, the British climate remains notoriously unpredictable. For those seeking guaranteed wall-to-wall sunshine in May, a trip abroad is the best solution. Many European regions offer hot weather from this month onward, perfect for city breaks or sun lounger relaxation. The hottest temperatures in May are typically found in Mediterranean countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, with averages ranging from 23°C to 27°C and up to 11 hours of sunshine per day. Here are seven unexpected spring holiday destinations to inspire your May travels.
1. Gozo, Malta
Average temperature in May: 24°C. Hours of sunshine per day: 9. The Maltese island of Gozo provides a quieter holiday pace than the mainland, just a 45-minute ferry ride away. Expect around nine hours of daily sunshine and beautiful Mediterranean views. Enjoy local Gozitan cuisine and explore rural hiking paths across the 67sqkm island. Visit the capital Rabat (also known as Victoria), home to a medieval citadel with the Gran Castello Historic House, Gozo Museum of Archaeology, and Gozo Cathedral. An open-air market in Independence Square sells produce, clothing, and souvenirs. From Mġarr Harbour, take a boat to the nearby island Comino for a dip in the turquoise Blue Lagoon.
2. Seville, Spain
Average temperature in May: 26°C. Hours of sunshine per day: 8. Seville offers eight hours of sunshine daily in May, with an average temperature of 26°C. The Andalusian capital features architecture ranging from modern buildings to historic monuments, including the Unesco World Heritage Site Seville Cathedral, a gothic 16th-century structure from Moorish times. The Alcázar Palace, an 18th-century attraction, offers guided tours. Enjoy cheap tapas at El Rinconcillo, the city's oldest bar, and visit the Museum of Fine Arts with paintings from the 12th to 18th centuries. For shopping, head to the Alameda neighbourhood, while nearby Triana has a food market.
3. Thessaloniki, Greece
Average temperature in May: 25°C. Hours of sunshine per day: 8. Thessaloniki reaches 25°C in May with around eight hours of daily sunshine, ideal for a cultural city break with sea views. Historic sights include the White Tower on the seafront, the 4th-century Arch of Galerius, the Rotunda, and the Walls of Thessaloniki from the Middle Ages. The modern Church of St Paul, completed in 1987, adds contrast. Main street Egnatia is bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars, offering a vibrant nightlife. Several beaches near the city allow for relaxation alongside sightseeing.
4. Bodrum, Turkey
Average temperature in May: 27°C. Hours of sunshine per day: 11. Bodrum on Turkey's southwest coast boasts up to 11 hours of sunshine daily and temperatures up to 27°C in May. Overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea, it's perfect for a beach break. The port city features picturesque whitewashed houses and 15th-century Bodrum Castle, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Known for vibrant bars, restaurants, and nightlife, Bodrum also has quieter coastal villages like Yalikavak, Turgutreis, and Gumusluk nearby.
5. Formentera, Spain
Average temperature in May: 24°C. Hours of sunshine per day: 9. Formentera, the smallest Balearic Island southeast of Ibiza, offers a quieter, less crowded holiday with around nine hours of Spanish sunshine daily and temperatures up to 24°C in May. Enjoy breathtaking beaches and turquoise waters, exploring towns like La Savina, Es Migjorn, Cala Saona, Es Pujols, and El Pilar de la Mola. Accessible by ferry, vehicle numbers are restricted in summer to protect the island's picturesque environment.
6. Sorrento, Italy
Average temperature in May: 26°C. Hours of sunshine per day: 8. Sorrento, a historic Italian town on a peninsula, offers stunning views over the Bay of Naples. With average temperatures of 26°C in May, it's ideal for seeing blooming orange blossoms and lemon trees, with fewer visitors than peak summer. Enjoy sweeping scenery with rocky coasts and popular beaches. Piazza Tasso, the central square, features shops, bars, and restaurants, while Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century Franciscan church, is just a five-minute walk away.
7. Cascais, Portugal
Average temperature in May: 23°C. Hours of sunshine per day: 9. Cascais, just 40 minutes from Lisbon, offers an average temperature of 23°C and nine hours of sunshine daily in May. Cultural spots include the 19th-century stately home Casa de Santa Maria and the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum. Outdoor activities abound with hiking trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, paragliding, and numerous golf courses. Foodies can dine at Michelin-starred Fortaleza do Guincho or enjoy seafood across the harbour.
