Best Places To Visit In May
May 1, 2025
Spring is in full swing, the sun is shining (finally!), and our destinations are looking better than ever. May is one of the best months to travel — think warm temperatures, blooming landscapes, lively festivals, and best of all, no peak-season crowds.
Whether you’re dreaming of beach days, charming old towns, or a lazy glass of wine by the sea, now’s the time to plan your escape. From Portugal’s colourful cities to Spain’s dreamy islands, here are five of the best places to visit in May.
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Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Average May temperatures: 18–26°C
May in Lanzarote feels like you’ve fast-forwarded straight to summer — but without the stifling heat. With volcanic landscapes, sandy beaches and endless blue skies, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore.
Relax on the golden sands of Playa Blanca, hike the otherworldly trails of Timanfaya National Park, or stroll through the pretty whitewashed villages like Teguise. Plus, the sea is finally warming up — perfect for a swim without the summer crowds.
If you love wine, don’t miss a trip to the unique La Geria wine region, where vines grow in volcanic ash — a Lanzarote speciality.
Where To Stay…
Taurus
6 Bedrooms | Sleeps 3
Highlights: Heating. Hot tub. Walking distance to marina.
Barranco
4 Bedrooms | Sleeps 8
Highlights – Heated pool. Short walk to restaurants and shops.
Shanaya
4 Bedrooms | Sleeps 8
Highlights – Terrace with ocean views. Heated pool. Close to marina.
Barranco II
3 Bedrooms | Sleeps 6
Highlights – Powered by solar energy. 5-minute walk from the sea. Heated pool.
More Villas In Lanzarote →
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Average May temperatures: 17–24°C
Dubrovnik in May is an absolute dream. The medieval Old Town is just starting to buzz with life, but before the summer cruise ships arrive and the streets get packed.
Wander along the ancient city walls (the views are insane), get lost in the narrow marble streets, and take a boat trip over to Lokrum Island for a slice of nature just ten minutes from the city.
May also sees the start of outdoor cafés filling the squares, and the Adriatic Sea is warming up if you fancy a dip at Banje Beach. Bonus? You’ll still find more affordable prices compared to high summer.
Where To Stay…
Villa Via Santa
3 Bedrooms | Sleeps 8
Highlights: Gated swimming pool. Stunning views.
Villa Tomera
5 Bedrooms | Sleeps 10
Highlights: Sea views. Private pool. 20-minute drive from Dubrovnik.
Villa Grande
5 Bedrooms | Sleeps 8
Highlights: Freshwater swimming pool. Sauna. Close to restaurants.
More Villas In Croatia →
Porto, Portugal
Average May temperatures: 14–22°C
If you’re after a city break with soul, Porto is your spot. In May, the weather is warm but not sticky, the riverfront terraces are bustling, and the scent of freshly baked Pastel de Nata fills the air.
Stroll through the colourful Ribeira district, hop on a boat ride along the Douro River, and of course, do a port wine tasting tour — it would be rude not to.
May is also a fantastic time for a day trip up the Douro Valley, where vineyards carpet the hills and river views stretch as far as the eye can see.
Where To Stay…
Villa Calvario
3 Bedrooms | Sleeps 7
Highlights: Close to town. Heated pool. Renovated stone cottage.
Villa Marco
6 Bedrooms | Sleeps 12
Highlights: Large swimming pool. Old fishing village nearby. Extensive gardens.
Villa Vineyard
5 Bedrooms | Sleeps 12
Highlights: In the heart of the Douro World Heritage Site. Surrounded by 10 hectares of terraced vineyards.
More Villas In Portugal →
Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Average May temperatures: 17–24°C
Before the summer crowds descend, Mallorca is a Mediterranean paradise — think empty beaches, peaceful villages, and sunny hiking trails.
Spend your days relaxing on the white sands of Cala Mondragó, exploring the honey-coloured streets of Alcúdia, or driving the epic Serra de Tramuntana mountains (seriously, the views are next level).
It’s also a great time for cycling, hiking, or wine tasting — basically, all the good stuff you wouldn’t want to do in July heat! And if you’re there at the start of May, you might catch some of the traditional Fires i Festes (festivals) taking place in villages across the island.
Where To Stay…
Villa Reese
4 Bedrooms | Sleeps 8
Highlights: Short drive of restaurants and a supermarket and is less than a 15 minute car journey to Palma.
Can Tellulah
6 Bedrooms | Sleeps 12
Highlights: Charming traditional finca with glorious garden and waterfall pool
Villa Roja
3 Bedroom | Sleeps 6
Highlights: Traditional, rustic style Mallorcan house on the outskirts of Pollensa. Shaded terrace and built-in barbecue.
More Villas In Spain →
Naousa, Paros
Paros, Greece
Average May temperatures: 18–24°C
If you want a slice of Greek island life before the summer rush, Paros is the perfect pick. With its sugar-cube villages, flower-lined streets, and golden beaches, it’s the quiet charm of the Cyclades — without the crowds.
Wander the winding lanes of Naoussa and Parikia, chill out on beaches like Kolymbithres and Golden Beach, or take a ferry over to nearby Antiparos for a day trip.
May is also a beautiful time to see the island in bloom, with wildflowers decorating the countryside — and the perfect weather for lazy lunches at a taverna overlooking the sea.
Where To Stay…
Aleka
4 Bedrooms | Sleeps 8
Highlights: Newly constructed. Near the beach. Private pool with great views.
Elias
5 Bedrooms | Sleeps 10
Highlights: Sea views. 8-minute drive from Golden Beach
Echo
5 Bedrooms | Sleeps 10
Highlights: Panoramic sea views. Golden Beach is less than 10-minute’ walk.
More Villas in Greece →
Where’s your favourite place to visit in May?
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