Where to travel in May ? The best ideas for your vacations

Last update : 18/08/2023

May is the perfect time to soak up the sun before the summer vacations. If you’re looking for destination ideas for where to travel in May in the sun, this blog post should interest you. With pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine, May is the perfect time to relax on a beach, explore iconic cities or discover new horizons. It’s a time we personally love!

If you’re looking for a destination for your May vacation, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ve selected the best sunny destinations to help you plan your trip and enjoy an unforgettable stay. Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches, cultural visits or lush nature, our selection of destinations will satisfy all your desires. If you want even more travel inspiration, don’t hesitate to check out our other articles to find out where to travel on holiday depending on the month of the year. Go on, let our list be your guide to finding your next dream destination for a sunny May vacation!

Summary

1. Where to travel in May? Head for Rome and Florence in Italy

Italy is one of the most charming countries in Europe, and it’s impossible not to be seduced by the beauty of Rome and Florence. If you’re thinking of visiting these two cities, May is an ideal month to do so! Only 1h30 by train separates these two iconic Italian cities, so we recommend that you visit both on the same trip.

If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, a trip to Rome and Florence in May is the best idea ever! In addition to must-see monuments and historical sites such as the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, or Florence’s Duomo, you can enjoy the pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes of spring. As you stroll through the cobbled streets and flower-filled gardens, you’ll discover the art, gastronomy, music and Italian fashion for which both cities are famous. We can’t recommend enough that you discover Rome and Florence in May and set off to discover la Dolce Vita! 😍

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2. Where to travel in May? Head for Italy’s Cinque Terre

As you can see, if you’re looking for where to travel in May in the sun, Italy is a great choice! After introducing you to Rome and Florence, we’d like to introduce you to the famous villages of Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre are located just 2 hours by train from Florence, so you can (time permitting) very easily combine the Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome.

The villages of Cinque Terre are a prime destination for nature and seascape lovers. In May, this coastal region of Italy offers unique panoramas, where the crystal-clear sea blends with steep cliffs and colorful houses. This is the ideal time to hike the paths that link the villages of Cinque Terre, while enjoying the mild, pleasant temperatures. You can explore the village lanes and small fishing ports while sampling local culinary specialties.

Discover the Cinque Terre

3. Sibenik, Croatia

You’re looking for where to travel in May in the sun and you’re a Game Of Thrones fan? Look no further! Sibenik is a charming town on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, offering a unique experience for travelers in search of authenticity and discovery. When you visit this city in May, you’ll enjoy a mild, pleasant climate, with temperatures ideal for exploring the cobblestone streets, lively squares and historic monuments such as St. James Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can also discover the region’s many islands and beaches, as well as the natural parks that surround the city. Sibenik is also renowned for its gastronomy and local wine, which you can sample in the town’s restaurants and bars. All in all, Sibenik in May is an opportunity to discover an authentic destination, far from the tourist crowds, and to enjoy a unique experience at the heart of Croatian culture.

Discover Sibenik

4. Athens, Greece

Athens is a captivating ancient city brimming with historical and cultural treasures. When you visit Athens in May, you’ll enjoy a mild, pleasant climate. You can also visit lively squares and ancient sites such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the ancient Agora without the crowds of tourists. Last but not least, Athens is a culinary destination of choice, where you can sample Greek specialties such as tzatziki, souvlaki and local wine in traditional taverns (you guessed it, we’re the gourmet team here 🙈). Athens in May is a unique opportunity to discover a city steeped in history in optimal conditions.

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Athenes

5. Where to travel in May? Head for the Almafitaine coast

As you can see, visiting Italy in May is a no-brainer for us! The climate is mild and the country really isn’t that far from France. The Almafitaine coast is one of Italy’s top destinations, offering breathtaking panoramas. By visiting this region in May, you can take advantage of an ideal climate, with pleasant temperatures to explore the picturesque villages along the coast, such as Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Praiano.

You can stroll along the turquoise sea and admire the colorful houses clinging to the cliffs without too many tourists, with July and August formally to be avoided. The Almafitaine coast (and Italy in general) is also renowned for its gastronomy, where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes, homemade pasta and local desserts such as limoncello and amaretti. If you want to visit the Almafitaine coast, we think May is the best time of year! We don’t know this side of Italy yet, but we’d love to discover it soon. 😍

Find the best accommodation in Amalfi

6. Where to travel in May? Head for Jordan

Jordan is a unique and mystical destination brimming with wonders to discover. When you visit Jordan in May, you’ll enjoy a pleasant climate with mild temperatures as you explore the region’s must-see sites. You can discover the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the city of Jerash, brimming with Roman temples and colonnades. You can also explore the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, renowned for its therapeutic salt waters.

And don’t miss the spectacular scenery of Wadi Rum, a rocky desert dotted with natural arches and canyons. Once again, Jordan is a gourmet destination, with local dishes such as mansaf, falafel and baklava on the menu. In short, if you’re looking for a place to go in May, Jordan is a very good choice, and we’re sure you’ll be amazed by its extraordinary landscapes.

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7. Madeira, Portugal

May is undoubtedly one of the best months to discover the wonders of the island of Madeira. With pleasant temperatures averaging around 21°C and a generally sunny climate with little rain, this time of year is ideal for strolling through the botanical gardens, exploring the mountains and levadas, or relaxing on the black sand beaches. But that’s not all! In May, the island’s vegetation is in full bloom, offering strikingly beautiful landscapes, from immense fields of colorful flowers to verdant forests.

Moreover, by visiting Madeira in May, you’ll avoid the crowds of the high tourist season and be able to discover the island in a quieter, more authentic atmosphere. If you’re wondering where to go in May in the sun, choosing Madeira could be a good idea for discovering the island in optimal conditions.

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8. Japan

May is one of the best months to visit Japan. First of all, the weather is very pleasant, with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, ideal for enjoying the many outdoor activities the country has to offer. What’s more, this is the period when cherry blossom is at its peak, with pink and white petals covering the country’s streets and parks, creating a poetic and enchanting landscape. Traditional festivals such as “Golden Week” (a series of consecutive public holidays) take place in May, offering an opportunity to discover Japanese culture in a more authentic way.

In addition, the rainy season hasn’t yet begun in most parts of the country, which means there’s less risk of showers. Finally, tourist crowds are smaller than in summer, so you can visit the most famous tourist sites without too much jostling. In short, if Japan makes you dream and you’re looking for where to go in May, choosing the Land of the Rising Sun is a no-brainer!

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9. The west coast of the USA

May is an ideal time to discover the West Coast of the United States. First of all, the climate is mild and pleasant in most regions, with temperatures averaging around 20°C. It’s also a time when the beaches are beginning to be frequented, and the national parks of the American West are open without yet being overrun by the summer tourist crowds. May is also ideal for observing wildlife in national parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, which are less crowded at this time of year. It’s a destination we personally adore!

Moreover, May is a time of year when nature’s colors are at their peak, with cherry blossoms, verdant mountain landscapes and waterfalls full of snowmelt water. Finally, most cities on the west coast organize cultural and artistic events in May, offering the opportunity to discover local cultures. In short, May is an ideal time to discover the U.S. West Coast, enjoy the natural scenery, observe the wildlife and learn about the local cultures, without being bothered by the summer heat or the crowds of tourists. Go for it! 👌🏻

Discover the USA West

10. Reunion Island

We conclude this selection of destinations to discover in sunny May with the intense island of Reunion. Temperatures in May are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C, allowing visitors to take full advantage of the island’s wonders without being bothered by the high summer heat. What’s more, this time of year is less rainy, allowing visitors to explore the island without being bothered by precipitation.

The island’s waterfalls are also more impressive after the rainy season, making it an ideal time to visit. Last but not least, the island’s cirques, such as Mafate, Salazie or Cilaos, offer exceptional scenery with lush vegetation and abundant waterfalls.

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Where to travel in May, how to organize your trip well?

How to get to the destination of your choice

To find the best mode of transport to your destination, we recommend you always look on the OMIO comparator. This will give you an overview of all available modes of transport. You’ll be able to compare prices very easily.

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How to rent a rental car at the best price

If you’re looking to rent a car during your trip, we recommend you take a look at the RentalCars website. This will enable you to find the best prices and conditions for your rental.

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How to find the best hotels

In order to find the best hotels and benefit from the best conditions (security, cancellation…) we go almost exclusively through Booking.com for our trips. We recommend that you take a look at the available hotels before you leave. You can filter them according to their ratings. The customer reviews are very numerous and recent, which means you can avoid unpleasant surprises when traveling!

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How to find ideas for activities to do on your April vacation

If you want to get ideas for activities to do on your vacation and want to book in advance, we also recommend taking a look at the GetYourGuide site. This will give you an overview of the activities on offer in your destination, so you don’t have to wait until you get there to book your places.

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