Europe in May is dreamy. In fact, I’d argue it’s the best month to visit much of the continent. Easter holidays have been and gone, so prices are generally wallet-friendly before the summer season begins; spring is in full force thawing the north while the south’s beaches are inviting once more; and there are plenty of events and festivals to help narrow down the dilemma of where to go in Europe in May.
If you’re still searching for the best place to visit in Europe this May, here are my favourite suggestions spanning gorgeous beach holidays, cultural city breaks or destinations ripe for a pre-summer adventure – all with something special happening to plan your itinerary around.
Where to travel in Europe in May for a beach break
France’s Côte d’Azur
May is a sweet spot to visit southern France. Sun is pretty much guaranteed, but crowds are not. Hotels and restaurants have nearly all reopened for the season, but it’s not yet in full swing. And while the sea isn’t at its warmest, you won’t have a battle for your own fleck of French Riviera sand and a refreshing dip.
If you want to live the sun-kissed Cote d’Azur life without breaking the bank, now is the time. Book one of the dreamy chateaus or villas around France at fair prices and enjoy a relaxing holiday. Or make the most of more affordable car hire (and the fact that some car parks don’t start charging until June) and plan a road trip. A special May mention goes to Cannes, which hosts its star-studded film festival for ten days in the middle of the month, and Monaco, which the Grand Prix takes over on the 25th.
Camogli & Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre, a handful of swoon-worthy, pastel-hued villages climbing up and crowning the craggy coastline in Liguria, are as postcard-perfect as Italy gets. And with beauty like this, crowds are nearly always a given. However, venture here in May, and you’ll likely experience the villages slightly more serene before the high-season full kicks in. May is also an excellent time to visit the five villages on foot, following the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) that weaves between them before the scorching summer sun arrives.
If you visit Europe in May, you should spend a few nights in one of my favourite coastal towns, Camogli, just beyond the Cinque Terre. In early to mid-May, the town celebrates Sagra del Pesce over a long weekend. This fish festival includes a giant pan that cooks thousands of fish dishes for the community and visitors, alongside fireworks and festivities in honour of Saint Fortunato, the patron saint of fishermen.
The Greek Islands
If you’re wondering where to go in Europe in May for sun, sea and sand, set your sights on any of Greece’s gorgeous islands. With temperatures topping out around 25° and the Aegean and Ionian seas warming up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle at a slower and less sun-burning pace. There’s usually plenty of deals to be had, too, as the summer tourism season kicks off later in June. Still, not every island promises an idyllic retreat. Some popular destinations, such as Santorini, will already be quite crowded, not helped by the fact that cruise ships are starting to dock daily.
For a more serene sojourn, seek out islands that have less cruise traffic or are frequented by smaller vessels. Consider basing yourself on another of the Cyclades, like Sikinos, another dramatic isle with golden sand beaches to boot. Or make the most of May’s faired prices and snag a luxury stay in Paros, where picturesque whitewashed villages are lapped by inviting azure waters. Prefer more of a city vibe? Charming Corfu Town, with its Venetian architecture and animated streets, is a winner.
Awesome European cities to visit in May
Graz, Austria
Graz, Austria’s sustainability-minded second city, is often overshadowed by grand Vienna and scenic Salzburg. But those in the know will attest to Graz being one of Europe’s best spring city breaks. As soon as the sun is shining, the city feels almost Mediterranean. Pop-up bars appear along the banks of the River Mur; spring flowers add even more colour to the verdant Schlossberg, a city centre hilltop park; and restaurant terraces – Graz is considered Austria’s foodie capital – overflow with laughter as locals sip wines from the surrounding Styrian countryside.
But what makes Graz one of the best European cities to visit in May is Design Month. Being a UNESCO City of Design, Graz’s celebration of all things creative is first-class, and the eclectic programme takes over the city, from the forward-thinking Kunsthaus (locally known as the friendly alien) to street art walking tours. If you arrive earlier in the month, check out Lendwirbel, a community-powered art and music festival in Lend, my favourite district.
Cordoba, Spain
There are plenty of reasons to visit the region of Andalusia in southern Spain in May, with sun, sea and sand being one of the top draws. However, the real May magic happens away from the coast in Cordoba, a magnificent city famed for its Moorish mosque-turned-cathedral, Roman landmarks, and handsome UNESCO-listed Old Town. Come later in the summer, and you might find sightseeing unbearable – Córdoba is one of Spain’s hottest cities, and even in May, temperatures can reach 30°.
To help locals avoid these scorching temperatures, many houses are constructed with interior courtyards and patios, providing a shaded space to cool off outside. It’s these patios that make Córdoba one of the best places to visit in Europe in May, as the annual Patio Festival is held for a couple of weeks in the middle of the month. During this period, these usually private, flower-adorned spaces are opened to the public to visit as part of a competition to find the best flowery patio in Cordoba. It’s busy, but peeking inside the patios and meeting the green-fingered owners is a memorable experience.
Coimbra, Portugal
Coimbra, halfway between Lisbon and Porto, has been shaped by its university for centuries. Home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the grand, traditional buildings – including the incredible Joanina Library – are a delight to tour any time of year. Come out of term time, and you’ll find the city far more subdued, but visit towards the end of May, and you’ll witness it at its most alive during the Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons).
Lasting eight days, the event is essentially a city-wide student party. It all begins with the Serenata Monumental, a midnight, soulful concert in front of Coimbra’s cathedral attended by a sea of students dressed in black gowns who burn their ribbons in a cauldron to mark the end of the academic year. In the following days, revelry replaces tradition with concerts, balls and the cortejo (grand procession), when floats decked in faculty colours and satirical slogans take to the streets.
Where to go in Europe in May for an active vacation
The Albanian Riviera
In recent years, the Albanian Riviera has gained prominence for its shimmering shorelines and affordable prices. Yet this region is ripe for far more than a summer beach holiday. Just back from the coastline, the Ceraunian Mountains provide a rugged playground for hiking and mountain biking, with the blues of the Ionian Sea as a breathtaking backdrop. With daytime temperatures between 20 ° and 24 °, it’s pleasant whether you’re hitting the trails or the beach.
Best of all, there’s something for all abilities. Kayaking between secluded coves provides an easy-going aquatic exploration of the region. Easy-going coastal tracks afford an on-land route between some seriously stunning beaches. Or, for those after a proper adventure, the more challenging pass-climbing trails of the mountainous Llogara National Park await.
Slovenia
Slovenia is synonymous with adventure. Tempting trails weave through alpine forests, jade-green rivers slice challenging canyons, and verdant mountains have paragliding-friendly winds. No matter where you land in this oh-so-green country in the heart of Europe, you’ll find a way to get active. With the sun shining, most of the snow having melted, and rain less likely, May is an excellent month to make the most of Slovenia’s natural beauty.
Craving mountains? Tackle the lower trails of the Julian Alps, perhaps while admiring the last of winter’s snowfall peppering the higher peaks. Raring for some white water rafting? Set your sights on the emerald green of the Soča River. Fancy blending walks with wine? Head to the Vipava Valley, where trails meander between the mountains and tiny villages, where family-owned wine cellars are hidden underground. With the region’s culinary festival taking place throughout the month, a first-class feast is guaranteed at the end of every trek.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira, Portugal’s mountainous Atlantic island, is one of Europe’s best walking destinations for all abilities. While there are some seriously awe-inspiring, above-the-clouds mountain hikes to tackle, the majority of the island’s trails track levadas, traditional irrigation channels that crisscross the island, providing plenty of relatively flat routes that will take you deep into laurel forests or waterfall-laced valleys.
With a mild climate year-round – Madeira is known as The Island of Eternal Spring – and shade on many of the tracks, you’ll rarely break a sweat – but when you do, volcanic bays and natural rock pools provide the perfect place to cool off. The climate is also a blessing for botanists, helping Madeira’s colourful, tropical flowers flourish. This is especially true in May, when the Madeira Flower Festival celebrates all things floral. Parades of flower-clad performers and floats flow through the main city of Funchal, flower carpets brighten villages, and a packed entertainment program keeps all ages entertained.
Discover more of the best places to visit in Europe by season and month:
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