Where to Go on Holiday in May
Six genuinely different May escapes, with the weather, trade-offs and planning details that help you choose well.
May is one of the most interesting months for a European holiday. Summer is beginning in the eastern Mediterranean, southern Spain can already feel hot, and Portugal's coast and Madeira are inviting for people who prefer to explore rather than spend every day beside a pool. But choosing the right place matters: a beautiful beach does not automatically mean warm seawater, and the first week of May can feel different from the last.
This guide compares six strong options for travellers from the UK: the Algarve, Crete, Malta, Madeira, Antalya and Seville. Rather than pretending one destination is best for everyone, it explains what each is good at, where to stay, what could disappoint you and which booking details deserve attention.
May holiday ideas at a glance
- For a beach-focused resort holiday: Antalya or Crete, particularly if your dates are later in May.
- For a relaxed short-haul coastal break: the Algarve, provided you are happy with potentially cool Atlantic water.
- For sightseeing with coastal scenery: Malta, where distances are manageable but popular places can be busy.
- For walking and dramatic landscapes: Madeira, remembering that mountain conditions can differ sharply from Funchal.
- For food, architecture and a lively city: Seville, especially if you enjoy warmth more than beaches.
Weather note: averages are long-term observations, not forecasts or guarantees. Temperatures vary by location and year; sea conditions, wind and rain can change how warm a holiday feels.
Explore holidays departing on your dates
TripsByDate shows advertised package holidays across its wider inventory. The changing options below are not necessarily Christmas-week departures or packages to these five destinations. Use them as starting points, then compare your own dates and check the final price, availability and festive arrangements with the provider.
LTN • 7 nights
AI · On the Beach
SEN • 7 nightsSkiworld
GLA • 7 nightsHB · Skiline
GLA • 7 nightsB&B · Skiline1. Algarve, Portugal: easy coastal days and beaches
The Algarve makes sense when you want an uncomplicated coastal break with beaches, seafood restaurants, attractive towns and plenty of places to explore. May often offers comfortable conditions for a mixture of sitting outside, walking on the cliffs and enjoying the coast without midsummer's strongest heat.
Where to base yourself: Lagos suits travellers interested in dramatic coves, boat trips and an old town; Tavira provides a gentler atmosphere and access to the eastern Algarve's barrier-island beaches; Albufeira offers a broad choice of accommodation and a livelier resort feel. Your preferred atmosphere matters more than choosing a resort solely because it appears cheaper.
What to do: Walk sections of the cliff-top coastal paths where open and safe, explore old-town streets, take a boat excursion if sea conditions permit, or spend a day in a smaller fishing town. Portugal's official tourism board describes the region's beaches as strikingly varied, from long sands to sheltered coves. Explore the official Algarve beach guide.
The catch: The Atlantic remains cool compared with many Mediterranean destinations. A sunny forecast is not a guarantee of comfortable swimming, and breezy weather can make an exposed beach feel chilly. If swimming is essential, compare properties with heated pools and check whether they're operating in May.
Best for: Couples, families and independent travellers who want coastal scenery and a straightforward short-haul holiday rather than guaranteed hot-water swimming.
2. Crete, Greece: beaches, villages and a proper sense of place
Crete has enough variety to justify a full week rather than just a resort stay. May is a promising time for coastal exploring, open-air lunches, historical sites and beach afternoons. By late May, the weather is generally more summery, but early-month evenings and seawater can still feel fresh.
Where to base yourself: Chania is attractive for its Venetian harbour, restaurants and access to the western side of the island. Rethymno mixes an old town with nearby beach accommodation. Travellers who want a resort-led holiday can compare the north-coast package destinations, but should check distances to the places they actually plan to visit.
What to do: Combine beaches with the historic streets of Chania or Rethymno, sample Cretan food and consider a visit to an archaeological site. The official Visit Greece guide to Crete highlights the island's extensive coastline and rich cultural heritage.
The catch: Crete is large. Some headline beaches require a significant journey, and road times matter when choosing a hotel. Also check the opening schedules for boat services, excursions and seasonal facilities, especially for early May travel. Attractive social-media images may show places at their summer best, not necessarily their May conditions.
Best for: Travellers who want a beach holiday with excellent opportunities to explore, rather than staying at the same pool every day.
3. Malta: compact sightseeing and sea views
Malta works particularly well in May if you want a holiday that is as much about exploring as relaxing. Valletta's historic streets, the atmospheric old city of Mdina, harbourside restaurants and day trips give you alternatives if the wind picks up or swimming does not appeal.
Where to base yourself: Valletta is convenient for history and ferries, while Sliema offers a busy waterfront and good transport connections. St Julian's is worth comparing if nightlife matters. Families planning time beside a beach may prefer to look more closely at northern coastal accommodation, rather than assuming every waterfront hotel has sandy access.
What to do: Give Valletta proper time rather than treating it as a quick stop. Visit Mdina, explore the Three Cities or consider Gozo if your stay is long enough. Ferries and buses can help with sightseeing, but queues and journey times still need factoring into an itinerary.
The catch: Malta has many rocky bathing spots, so a room with a sea view is not necessarily near a sandy beach. In May, the sea can still be cool. If a hotel is your main attraction, check its pool opening dates, facilities and immediate surroundings carefully.
Best for: Couples, friends and older families who enjoy history, food, coastal views and days out, with some time for sunshine.
For ideas beyond beach holidays, see our travel guides and the Holidays by Month hub.
4. Madeira: flowers, walking and spectacular scenery
Madeira is the May choice for people who would rather discover a botanical garden, ride to a viewpoint or follow a memorable coastal walk than spend the whole week on sand. Funchal's May climate is generally pleasantly mild, but altitude and exposure create very different conditions across the island.
Where to base yourself: Funchal provides restaurants, transport options and a strong range of accommodation. Travellers who mainly want nature might prefer a quieter coastal base, although getting around without a hire car or organised excursions can be less convenient.
What to do: Explore gardens and Funchal's old quarter, enjoy scenic drives and investigate the island's levada trails. Importantly, the official Madeira hiking portal publishes current route access and reservation arrangements: some classified trails require booking and fees, and closures are possible.
A particularly good May reason to go: Madeira's official Flower Festival is scheduled for 29 April to 30 May 2027. Check the programme for parade dates rather than assuming events are identical throughout the festival.
The catch: This is not a classic expansive sandy-beach destination. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, even when Funchal is warm. Pack layers and sturdy shoes, and never assume a hiking trail is open simply because a blog recommends it.
Best for: Nature lovers, walkers, photographers and couples who want a memorable landscape-led break. IPMA's Funchal climate observations put May's historical average daytime high at about 22°C, not hot Mediterranean-resort temperatures.
5. Antalya, Türkiye: warmer resort weather
If your May holiday mainly means warm afternoons, a resort pool, long lunches and time outdoors, the Antalya coast deserves serious consideration. The Turkish State Meteorological Service reports a May average daily high of around 26°C in Antalya, substantially warmer than several western European options in this guide. That remains a regional climate average, not a promise for your hotel or dates.
Where to base yourself: Lara Beach is worth comparing if you want a convenient resort-focused stay; Belek is known for large resort properties and golf; Side can work well for combining beaches with an attractive historic setting. Compare actual hotel positions rather than relying on the general area name: the size and location of resorts can affect how much walking or transport you need.
What to do: Enjoy the coast, visit Antalya's old town or include an archaeological excursion if you want a break from pool days. All-inclusive can simplify costs for families, but look carefully at what is included. Beach service, water slides, entertainment and heated or outdoor pools can have seasonal operating arrangements.
The catch: May does not mean every pool will feel warm or every beach facility will be running at full summer capacity. The coast is also spread out, so transfers can be significant for some resort locations. For UK travellers, check the FCDO's current Türkiye entry requirements before paying.
Best for: Families, couples and friends who prioritise a proper resort experience with warmer weather. See the Turkish meteorological service's Antalya climate figures.
6. Seville, Spain: a brilliant city break before the height of summer
Seville is a different kind of May recommendation. Come for neighbourhoods, architecture, tapas, public squares and evenings outdoors, not swimming beaches. This is an excellent choice if you enjoy walking through a city and stopping whenever somewhere interesting catches your eye.
What to do: Plan time for the Real Alcázar, the Cathedral and Giralda, Plaza de España and the Triana neighbourhood. Booking major sights ahead can be sensible, particularly around weekends and events. Spain's official Seville tourism guide explains the highlights and the city's distinctive neighbourhoods.
How hot is May? AEMET's long-term observations for Seville Airport show a May average daytime maximum of 27.2°C. This is already warm sightseeing weather, with some days considerably hotter. Start outdoor visits early, carry water and allow time indoors or in the shade. The contrast with July, when average highs are markedly higher, is one reason May appeals. See official AEMET climate normals.
Where to stay: The historic centre is useful if you want to walk to major attractions; Triana offers a different neighbourhood experience across the river. Review noise, access and transport, especially if you are visiting for a short break.
The catch: Heat is a real consideration for anyone who struggles with high temperatures. Seville is inland, so don't book it expecting an easy seaside holiday. For a quieter experience, consider weekday travel and check dates of major local events.
Best for: Food lovers, couples, friends and culture-focused travellers who want an energetic spring city break.
Know when you can travel?
Choose your departure airport and available dates, then explore package holidays that fit instead of searching every destination separately.
Find holidays by dateWhich part of May should you travel?
Early May: A strong time to consider Seville, Madeira or a flexible city-and-coast break. But if your main goal is swimming or fully operating beach facilities, check more carefully. Easter does not always fall in May, and the early-May bank holiday can affect flight demand.
Mid-May: Often an appealing compromise for travellers who can avoid school holidays. Compare several departure dates rather than assuming mid-month means the lowest price.
Late May: A stronger candidate for classic resort days in Crete or Antalya as summer approaches. UK half-term demand can change availability and pricing, so the same destination may cost substantially more on different dates.
For 2027, the official UK bank-holiday calendar lists Monday 3 May and Monday 31 May. Check the government bank-holiday dates and your local school's calendar; half-term dates are not identical everywhere.
How to find better value without choosing the wrong holiday
The images suggest May is a good-value month. That can be true on particular routes, but May is not automatically cheap. Prices depend on demand, school schedules, flight capacity, hotel category and which days you depart. A good-value destination on paper can be a poor deal if the flights are expensive or the hotel is isolated.
- Compare complete package prices: inspect baggage, transfers, board basis and cancellation terms, not just the headline fare.
- Test nearby departure dates: shifting by a day or two may give you more options, especially near bank holidays.
- Be honest about the weather you need: if hot pool days matter, do not choose a cooler climate merely because the price is lower.
- Check the hotel's May facilities: a seasonal outdoor restaurant, kids' club or pool may not operate exactly as it does in July.
- Think about usable holiday time: a cheaper late arrival and early return can leave less time to enjoy a short break.
Is May good for families?
Yes, especially for families who want pleasant outdoor weather without peak summer heat. The Algarve and Crete offer variety beyond the hotel; Antalya is compelling for resort-led stays; Malta works for curious children who enjoy exploring. But a family holiday should be assessed by children's ages, pool temperatures, shaded areas, room layout, transfer arrangements and what facilities are operating on the actual dates.
For preschool families, avoiding school-holiday peaks may expand the choice. For school-age children, the May half-term calendar often matters more to prices than the average weather. Check travel rules for every family member and read the latest UK government destination advice.
Frequently asked questions about May holidays
Where is hottest in Europe in May?
Within these six choices, Seville and Antalya have notably high historical May daytime maximums, but they offer very different holidays. Seville is a city, while the Antalya coast is suited to resorts. Conditions elsewhere in Europe vary, and heat alone should not decide the destination.
Is May warm enough for a beach holiday?
It can be, particularly later in the month in the eastern Mediterranean. Whether the sea is comfortable is a different question. If swimming every day matters, investigate typical sea temperatures, pool heating and whether the hotel's beach services are available.
Is May a cheap month to go on holiday?
Sometimes, but not universally. Demand around UK bank holidays and school breaks can raise prices, while particular midweek departures may offer better choices. Compare dates, operators, airports and what each package includes.
Is Madeira a good May beach destination?
Madeira is better known for scenery, gardens, walks and its dramatic coastline than for the conventional long sandy-beach holiday. Choose it if those experiences appeal. For uninterrupted sandy beach days, compare the Algarve, Crete or Antalya instead.
Should I choose May or June?
June usually brings more established summer conditions in many European resorts, but can also mean greater heat and changing prices. May is attractive for mixed sightseeing and beach holidays. The better choice depends on your tolerance for heat, whether swimming matters and your available dates. Compare our monthly travel guides as more are published.
More holiday planning inspiration
Compare where to go in April if you can travel earlier, or browse our Girls' Trips guides for group-getaway ideas. Planning a completely different kind of break? Our Skiing guides cover mountain holidays, equipment and beginner advice.
Final thought: the best May holiday isn't necessarily the hottest or the cheapest. Choose the destination that matches how you actually want to spend your days, then compare real dates and the complete cost of getting there.
‹ BACK TO HOLIDAYS BY MONTHKnow when you can travel?
Pick your departure airport and the dates you are free, then see the holidays that actually fit.
Find holidays by date