Where to go on holiday in May 2026? The best destinations for a May getaway

Publication date: March 4, 2025 | Updated: February 16, 2026

Planning a sunny escape but not sure where to head? May is the perfect month to travel – warm (yet pleasantly mild) days, fewer crowds and attractive prices are just some of the reasons why it’s such a great time to fly. Below, we’ve put together a selection of the best destinations in Europe and further afield that are well worth considering for your May holiday. Ready for take-off? 

Wondering whether May is a good time for a getaway? The answer is simple: absolutely. And here’s why.

• Firstly, your wallet will thank you. May is perfect for so-called smart travel, as it still falls outside the peak season. That means lower airfares and accommodation prices than in summer—and with the same budget, you can often enjoy a higher-standard hotel.
• Another advantage? Peace and space. Imagine exploring the Colosseum or the Acropolis of Athens without weaving your way through a sea of visitors. 
• And let’s not forget the weather. The sun is pleasantly warm, but not overwhelming—no need to seek refuge in air conditioning every five minutes. Instead, you’ll still have the energy to walk those extra few kilometers and discover even more.

May is an excellent month to travel thanks to the warm temperatures you’ll find both across Europe and in more exotic corners of the world. If you’re still deciding where to go, it’s worth planning your trip with average air and sea temperatures in mind. Below, you’ll find a handy temperature overview to help you decide whether to pack high-SPF sun cream or your trusty trekking boots.

A flight to Vilnius is a great choice for a May city break. One of the city’s must-see spots is the Užupis Republic, where artistic café terraces open along the banks of the Vilnia River. It’s a quick and affordable destination—perfect for tasting your first chilled Lithuanian beetroot soup of the season and admiring the Old Town panorama from the Three Crosses Hill.

Read also: Vilnius attractions—what to see in Vilnius in one day?

May is an ideal time to fly to Bucharest—with temperatures of 22–24 °C, exploring the Palace of the Parliament is far more enjoyable than during the height of summer. It’s also worth visiting King Michael I Park (formerly Herăstrău Park) and taking a stroll through the historic Lipscani district. Bucharest is a smart travel favorite—the standard of hotels and dining is impressively high, especially considering the affordable ticket prices.

Often associated with business, Frankfurt reveals its more relaxed side in May—in riverside bars along the Main and at the beautiful Palmengarten. Sample the local apple wine (Apfelwein) in Sachsenhausen and take a day trip to the nearby Rhine Valley. Fly to Frankfurt—it's one of the most interesting cities in our route network.

How about a European getaway—but to the warmer side of the continent? In cities such as Málaga, Athens, or Bologna, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures, ideal sightseeing conditions, and nature coming back to life. Where else is worth considering for a May holiday? Take a look below.

Read also: Where to go abroad for the May long weekend?

If you’re searching for sunshine and beautiful beaches, a flight to Málaga is the answer. In May, the Costa del Sol already feels delightfully summery. Enjoy freshly grilled sardines (espetos) and explore the historic Alcazaba of Málaga surrounded by blooming gardens.

In May, Greece bursts into greenery and calm after the winter months, and on islands such as Santorini or Crete, you’ll find spectacular views without the high-season crowds. Flying to Athens? Head to the lively Psiri district for homemade moussaka and local wine, then take an evening walk up Lycabettus Hill to watch the setting sun reflect off the marble columns of the Parthenon.

You’ll also find lovely weather in Bologna. As the capital of Italian cuisine, it tastes even better in May—without the stifling heat of July, strolling beneath the city’s famous UNESCO-listed porticoes is pure pleasure. Book your flight to Bologna and set off to explore the Emilia-Romagna region.

Fly to Croatia—temperatures are ideal for sightseeing, and the crowds haven’t yet filled the beautiful beaches. Split, Dubrovnik, or islands such as Hvar are perfect for combining active exploration with laid-back relaxation. Be sure to try the local wine and fresh seafood while you’re there.

Read also: Croatia’s top attractions—4 places worth seeing.

You’ll find great weather in Albania, too—May brings lush greenery and a pleasantly warm coastline, creating ideal conditions for a relaxing break. Sarandë boasts beautiful beaches, while Berat—known as the “City of a Thousand ”Windows”—immerses you in authentic Balkan charm. Fly to Albania for a budget-friendly holiday with plenty to discover.

If your perfect holiday means sunshine, sea swims, and long, lazy days on sandy beaches, Cyprus and Malta are difficult to beat.

• Book a flight to Cyprus—it's a feast for the senses. The scent of blooming citrus trees follows you wherever you go, and around Ayia Napa the sea temperature is ideal for your first refreshing dips of the season.
• Choose a flight to Malta if you’re passionate about history or photography. Without the intense summer heat, you can wander through every narrow street of Valletta and sail into the famous Blue Lagoon without the long queues typical of peak season.

Dreaming of all-inclusive sunshine and long, lazy beach days? A touch of exotic flair is always a good idea. Below are two destinations offering ideal conditions for a May getaway.

• If you’re after guaranteed sunshine and top-tier service, Turkey is a perfect choice in May. With temperatures above 25 °C, the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia and the vibrant bazaars of Istanbul promise an unforgettable escape. Book your flights to Turkey and ease into summer at your pace.
• Need even more warmth? Choose flights to Egypt. May is the last comfortable moment to explore Luxor or the pyramids of the Giza pyramid complex before summer temperatures climb above 40 °C. In Hurghada or Marsa Alam, the Red Sea is already ideal for diving and admiring colorful coral reefs.

Poland is also a great idea for a May escape. If you’re dreaming of seaside relaxation, Sopot, Gdańsk, or Gdynia make excellent choices. City lovers can plan a break in Kraków, Warsaw, Poznań, or Lublin. And for nature enthusiasts? Head to the mountains. The Tatra Mountains, Bieszczady Mountains, Beskid Mountains, or Stołowe Mountains are perfect for spring hiking surrounded by fresh greenery.

Book your flights to Poland.

May is an excellent time for trekking in Georgia, Italy, or Switzerland. Trails are refreshingly cool, making even challenging climbs enjoyable. In Georgia, regions such as Kazbegi turn lush green, while in the Italian Dolomites or the Swiss Alps, you can enjoy the absence of high-season queues at mountain huts.

If you can’t imagine traveling without your bike or climbing gear, you can bring your sports equipment on board. Just remember to notify us in advance—either during booking or later via Manage My Booking, at least 24 hours before departure.