Be it a short city break to Portugal or a week long trip to the Caribbean, here are the best places to go on holiday in May – perfect for those looking for a pre-summer tan!
Best City Breaks for a guaranteed holiday in the sun!
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal‘s capital and most colourful city is the perfect destination for an escape this May. The city is lucky enough to be blessed by year-round sunshine. But in the month of May your holiday here will allow you to start building your summer tan and wander the beautiful old town in summer dresses or shorts. A visit to the Time Out Market Lisboa is a must, with a large variety of local Portuguese cuisine and international menus on offer. You also can’t wake up in Lisbon without treating yourself to a Pastel de nata (delicious custard tart), something the city is quite famous for.
For nightlife all you need to do is walk uphill (at least you get to roll downhill later in the night if you’ve had one too many!) where you will find many atmospheric bars and clubs open until the small hours of the morning every day of the week. There is always a party to be found in Lisbon, and most people choose to simply party outside on the streets.
Jump on one of the old trams to tour the city – Tram 28 takes the most interesting route and is a photographer’s dream. Another great way to explore the city is to simply spend a few hours wandering the old city, purposefully getting lost. You never know the hidden gems you will come across.
Travel Inspiration: Top Things to Do in Lisbon!
2. Athens, Greece
It’s always a great time to visit historical Athens, with each contrasting season highlighting this fascinating city in a new light. Late spring or early summer, however, is by far the best time to come. The huge summer crowds have yet to descend on one of Europe’s most-loved destinations. But you will also find the days blissfully long and full of sunshine and blue skies. Spend your days transporting yourself back in time, by touring the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the ancient Agora. Evenings are best spent in one of the city’s many squares, with Syntagma being the most beautiful, sipping on an iced coffee and watching the world go by.
The markets really come alive in the evenings so put some time aside to pick up a few select souvenirs or treasures in the Plaka and Monastiraki districts. For the best food Greece has to offer, we recommend signing up to a half-day food tour, which will introduce you to all the delights of the country. Tasting olives from Crete, freshly baked breads and pastries from local bakers (bougatsa is the best-tasting thing you will eat in Greece!), as well as meeting local legends in the markets and tasting their fare as you go.
Travel Inspiration: Top Things to Do in Athens!
3. Marrakech, Morocco
While Marrakech can get horribly hot in the months of July and August, the temperature in May is near perfect. Especially in the evenings when you can sit outside in the city’s main medina without a jumper or shawl. Morocco‘s most-loved city has grown in popularity over the past few years and it’s not hard to see why. The accommodation options are palatial (but with unbelievably low price tags) so you can sleep like royalty in a traditional riad, complete with four-poster bed, swimming pool, walled-in courtyard and rooftop terrace all for less than €100 a night.
We recommend travelling to Morocco with an empty suitcase, as there are so many treasures to be found in the markets. You could easily spend a long weekend doing nothing but shopping. Get some genuine leather boots or sandals made to fit. Bargain hard for a new handbag. Or go big and buy some home decor such as rugs, blankets and cushions for your house back in Ireland.
Moroccan food is melt-in-the-mouth delicious, with special mention to their tangy tagine – slow-cooked stew which you will want to eat every day of your trip! You can also organise day trips from Marrakech into the Sahara desert, where you can have the opportunity to ride camels and meet traditional Berber in their remote villages.
Travel Inspiration: Top Things to Do in Marrakech!
4. Dubai, UAE
We should warn you that the temperature in Dubai really starts to heat up by May 1st. So this eccentric and exotic destination is only for those looking for a sizzling hot holiday in May. If you’re a pasty lizard who loves cool days and the shade of a tree, this might not be the perfect holiday destination.
Dubai is a city of contrasts and offers the curious visitor endless opportunities to be amazed. From towering skyscrapers lining Dubai’s famous marina to outrageously luxurious hotels occupying the spectacular beach front (afternoon tea at the stunning Burj al Arab is a real treat – but comes at the price tag of around 155€ per person!), Dubai is a city that will never cease to amaze.
While many travel here to shop ’til they drop or make the most of the city’s incredible beaches, there is so much more to this city destination if you’re looking for some alternative fun. You can go skiing any time of year (seriously – there’s an indoor ski park in Dubai that costs around 75€ for a day pass!). Spend a day at Wild Wadi waterpark, where you can try your hand at indoor surfing (one of only four in the world). Or you can roam the gold and spice souks for a bargain to take home with you. If you only have your eyes on the shops, then Dubai Mall is your one-stop destination that has it all.
Travel Inspiration: 10 best things to do in Dubai: a local’s guide 2019
5. Petra, Jordan
Jordan is a hugely underrated destination and one that few Irish travellers have considered travelling to. It’s also home to one of the new Seven Wonders of The World – the ancient city of Petra, which is reason enough to visit this beautiful destination. May is the perfect time to visit Petra, with guaranteed sunshine and long, hot days perfect for exploring the country’s ancient sites.
The city of Petra, also known as The Rose City, is famous for it’s rock-cut architecture and intricate water conduit system. Unknown to the Western world until 1812, visiting this new world wonder is a real bucket list item. While there may not be much in the form of shopping, what it lacks in man-made skyscrapers it makes up for in natural beauty! If you are feeling adventurous you can do a hot air balloon ride over the ancient city at sunrise. Or if you are super brave sign up for a micro flight ride.
While the city is spectacular during the day, you must visit again at night to see it illuminated by hundreds of candles. To taste the best of Jordanian cuisine, sign up to a cooking course with The Petra Kitchen, and get busy making hummus, mezzo and Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish.
Where’s hot in May? Top 5 city breaks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | City | Average temperature in May |
| Portugal | 20°C / 68°F | |
| Greece | 24°C / 75°F | |
| Morocco | Marrakech | 21°C / 69°F |
| United Arab Emirates | 38°C / 100°F | |
| Jordan | 25°C / 77°F | |
Best Beach Destinations for a May sun holiday!
6. Sardinia, Italy
May and June are said to be the best months to visit the island of Sardinia. The weather might be a little warmer in June, but those seductive beaches are less crowded in May! Sardinia is one of the most popular coastal destinations in Italy, offering the best the country has to offer without the stress to be found on the mainland.
If you have some cash to burn and are looking for the glitz side of the island, Costa Smeralda is the place to go. If, however, you want something a little more laid-back and less pretentious, opt to stay in the towns of Cagliari and Alghero instead. While Sardinia is understandably all about the beach and mesmerising coastline (it really is jaw-dropingly beautiful), try to spend a day or two exploring the inland towns or the mountainous Barbara region. You will be rewarded with spectacular views and a taste of true Sardinian culture.
Tip: Arriving in May also means you will be there in time for the much-anticipated Porto Cervo Wine Festival. And who doesn’t love a good wine festival?
Travel Inspiration: Love Islands: the most romantic island getaways in Europe
7. Corsica, France
Corsica might be a little cooler than some of the other destinations on this list, but it’s still a great holiday destination in May. The sea water has warmed up quite a lot by this time of year making it a great place for those who love to swim. It’s the very start of the season, too, which means you will have probably have the entire island to yourself. Accommodation prices will also be a lot lower than in July or August.
While there are of course many great beaches to relax on, most people travel to Corsica to make the most of this outdoor playground. For such a small island, there is incredible diversity to be found, from dense forests and breathtaking valleys, to stunning beaches and glitzy resort towns. It’s a great destination for an active holiday, be it hiking in the hills or kayaking long the glistening Mediterranean coastline.
8. San Pedro, Belize
Home to the world’s second largest great barrier reef and some of the clearest waters and best snorkelling and diving locations in the world, Belize is Central America’s true hidden gem. The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is famous for its many tropical islands (called cayes), where you will find nothing but sandy roads, palm tree-lined beaches and the most delicious jerk chicken you will ever have the pleasure to taste.
Best avoided in the winter months when hurricanes come in, and during Spring Break in March when the American students descend on the islands, May is the perfect time to visit! With average temperatures between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius and pretty much guaranteed sunshine every day you wake up, Belize is the closest you can get to paradise without breaking the bank and travelling to more distant Caribbean islands.
Spend your days lounging in hammocks hanging over the water, joining locals for cheap beers at the local beach shacks each night or exploring the country’s underwater life on a snorkelling or diving trip. Sailing around the cayes, be it for a day or a week, is an unforgettable experience, with the crystal clear waters etched into your memory forever. To get here simply fly to Belize city, then take a water taxi to the island of San Pedro or Caye Caulker, just an hour away.
9. Crete, Greece
If you’re looking for the best of Greek food, the best of Greek culture and some of the best Greek beaches, Crete is the perfect island to escape to! The weather starts to get really nice in May. There is also the added bonus of visiting before peak high season, which means avoiding the large cruise ships and group tours to the island.
From the magical pink-sand beaches of Elafonissi to the ancient Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, there are sites for every taste on this very accessible island. The main port town of Chania offers the visitor plenty to admire, be it observing the fisherman heading out in their tiny boats at sunrise, or watching the sun set behind the iconic Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan each night.
Grab a seat at one of the many bars or restaurants lining the water for some freshly caught seafood and some traditional ouzo – the perfect combination to start (or end) your night! Palazzo Al Mare is one of our favourites – and comes with excellent food and the perfect view of the harbour. It’s always busy, which means there is always a buzzing atmosphere. Just get there early to get a table!
Travel Inspiration: A guide to 20 beautiful Greek islands
10. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Playa Del Carmen is the slightly more wild, definitely more playful, neighbour to the Mexican resort town of Cancun. It attracts a much younger crowd, who come for the beaches and stay for the parties. Temperatures here in May are perfect and, as you are avoiding peak high season, you will also find it easier to get cheaper flights and better accommodation deals.
While all the resorts in Cancun are all-inclusive and encourage you to never leave your hotel, Playa Del Carmen is home to a lot more boutique hotels that encourage you to explore the surrounding neighbourhoods. Here you’ll find award-winning restaurants nestled alongside some excellent street food stalls. While the beach in Playa Del Carmen is stunning, you can take a short ferry ride to the nearby island of Cozumel, where you will find even clearer water and totally deserted beaches to lie on. It’s also home to see of the best dive sites in Mexico, easily accessible on a morning dive.
There are also colourful convertible VW beetles to tour around in, an extremely fun activity for the day. Get your fill of delicious tacos, party until the small hours along 5th Avenue, or at one of the famous beach bars, and spend one of two days exploring a little further afield, such as paying a visit to the ancient Mayan Ruins in Tulum and Chichen Itza. Welcome to Mexico – where the fun never stops!
*Updated April 2019. Prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
Where’s hot in May? Top 5 beach breaks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | City | Average temperature in May |
| Italy | Sardinia | 24°C / 75°F |
| France | Corsica | 22°C / 72°F |
| Greece | 24°C / 75°F | |
| Belize | San Pedro | 30°C / 86°F |
| Mexico | Playa Del Carmen | 28°C / 83°F |
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