Best Places to Visit in May

Gaudi’s modernist architecture, rich Catalan culture, beach life, and a vibrant old town – discover why Catalonia’s capital of Barcelona is a gem of a place to visit in May. Explore Eixample’s Casa Batlló and Sagrada Familia and Barri Gòtic’s maze-like streets, Barcelona Cathedral, and Placa Sant Jaune. Watch the world go by with a drink on the iconic La Rambla and tuck into authentic tapas in La Boqueria Market. Escape to the whimsical Park Guell with its Gaudi mosaics or ride the cable car up to Montjuïc to see Montjuïc Castle and the Magic Fountain. Spend a few hours by the sea at the sandy Bogatell and San Sebastia Beaches. Barcelona also plays host to May events like the Primavera Sound Festival and Fira Modernista.

The Cote d'Azur, aka the French Riviera, lets you live it up big style with your loved one or bestie in May. From Monaco’s Prince’s Palace, Nice’s elegant Promenade des Anglais, and the high-end boutiques of Cannes’ La Croisette to St Tropez’s super-yacht-lined Port and all points in-between; you can soak up the rays, enjoy tasty cuisine, mix with the rich and famous, and experience rich history and culture. The Cote D’Azur also hosts two global events in May – the Cannes Film Festival with its A-list celebrities, film premieres, and red carpet events from 13 to 14 May and the thrill of watching your favourite F1 drivers racing for the chequered flag at the Monaco Grand Prix from 23 to 24 May.

Palma de Mallorca is just a 2.5-hour flight away from the UK and offers perfect May weather between 18 to 20°C and fewer crowds than the height of the summer. Sightseers get to explore the Old Town and admire La Seu Cathedral’s intricate stained glass windows and the cityscapes from Bellver Castle. Beach lovers can walk along the scenic Passeig Maritim to the Can Pere Antoni and Cala Major beaches. Evenings in the trendy and bohemian Santa Catalina district lead to traditional Mallorca dishes like Tumbet, Pamboli, and fresh seafood; washed down by a glass of Tinto Verano or a Mojito de Palo. May also brings the prestigious Palma International Boat Show and the lively Es Firó fiesta in nearby Sóller.

May in the Algarve along Portugal’s south coast mixes 100 miles of golden sandy beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, and charming villages with balmy early-summer days. Albufeira reveals the Old Town’s streets, beautiful Praia Falesia, and boat trips to Benagil Sea Cave. Lagos leads to chilling times on Praia do Comilo and Praia Dona Ana, Ponta de Piedade’s rock formations, and grilled sardines at the harbour. Tavira is your gateway to Castelo de Tavira, 360-degree high-definition views from Tavira Camera Obscura, and the white sands of the unique Praia do Barril on Ilha de Tavira. May is the time for Tavira’s Gastronomy of the Sea Festival and Albufeira’s Smooth Jazz Festival and Fisherman’s Festival.

Press the pause button with a May escape to the traditional Spanish town of Nerja on the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol. Plaza Balcon de Europa takes centre stage with its Iglesia El Salvador church, iconic Balcon de Europa viewpoint, and adjoining cobbled streets of white-washed houses and eateries. Days spent poolside or on the golden sands of Playa Burriana and La Torrecilla beaches give way to evenings enjoying authentic tapas, paellas, and jugs of sangria or Plaza Tutti Frutti’s bars and clubs. A tour around town on the blue and white tourist train or a horse-drawn carriage, a bus ride to Cueva de Nerja’s stalagmites and stalactites, or a trip to the mountain village of Frigliana add to fun.

Blue domed churches, sugar cube houses, and colourful sunsets – discover why Santorini is paradise found in May! The temperature gauge hovers around the 20°C mark – perfect for days of relaxing on Perissa and Kamari’s black sands or hiking the Oia Caldera Path via the villages of Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli. Experience the ancient ruins of Akrotiri - frozen in time 3,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption or a boat trip to Nea Kameni island to walk on the active volcano and swim in Palea Kameni’s therapeutic hot springs. Bring your day to a close with the local speciality of tomato keftedes in a taverna or a glass of fizz watching the iconic sunset over the Caldera from clifftop Oia.

Whatever holiday means to you, you’ll find it on the Caribbean Island of Barbados – the birthplace of rum! May holidays bring shoulder-season bargains and warm, sunny weather around 30° with the odd, short-lived rain shower. Chill out on the white sands and swim with turtles in Carlisle Bay, witness Bathsheba Beach’s coral limestone boulders and ‘Soup Bowl’ surf break near Bridgetown, or enjoy family time building sandcastles at Mullins Beach near Holetown. Fit in a rum tasting at the historic Mount Gay Rum Distillery in St Lucy, enjoy a tram tour through Harrison’s Cave, meet Barbados Wildlife Reserve’s green monkeys and tortoises, and experience Friday night’s lively Oistins’ Fish Fry. 

Neon lights, non-stop entertainment, the Grand Canyon on your doorstep – Las Vegas is real showstopper year-round, but the sun shines at its best in May. Explore the bright lights of Las Vegas’ Strip, the huge MGM Grand casino resort, and the Fremont Street Experience’s 24-hour mall. Gaze at the colourful Bellagio Resort's Fountain Show, Vegas' famous signage on a tour of Neon Museum, and Shark Reef Aquarium’s sharks and turtles. Or why not treat yourself to a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon or follow the 13-mile Scenic Drive through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area? May also brings forth the vibrant Electric Daisy Carnival and the Cinco de Mayo celebrations!

May is the ideal month to holiday in Peru when the dry season leads to sunny skies, mild temperatures, and few crowds. Take the ultimate challenge – a guided trek of the Inca Trail via the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Wiñay Wayna, Dead Woman’s Pass, and Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. Go off-grid to enjoy the Amazon Rainforest’s rich biodiversity and wildlife or seek out famous sights like the Colca Canyon, Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca. Immerse yourself in Cusco City’s Spanish colonial architecture and Andean civilisation. Tempt your tastebuds with a plate of authentic local ceviche or a selection of Nikkei-style sushi and fish dishes in Lima’s Miraflores and Barranco areas