Best destinations to visit in May in Europe
Best destinations to visit in May in Europe
May is widely considered one of Europe's best travel months, with mild weather and blooming gardens well before the summer rush arrives.
Southern Europe warms up nicely without yet reaching peak summer heat, making it a comfortable month for cities that get uncomfortably hot later in the year. Northern Europe sees its gardens and countryside come fully into bloom, with long daylight hours stretching well into the evening. Alpine regions sit in a quieter shoulder season by May, too warm for skiing but often still too early for the best hiking at higher elevations. Crowds and prices across most of the continent stay noticeably lower than they will be just a month or two later. Outdoor markets and cafe terraces also start to feel like the true center of daily life again.
The destinations on our list for Europe reflect that same sweet spot between winter and the summer rush.
Lists by region
City in Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
The Netherlands was freed from German occupation on 5 May 1945. On 4 May the whole country falls silent for two minutes at 8 p.m. The next day brings free Liberation Day concerts in the parks. Early May is also the tail end of tulip season. Bike out to the flower fields near Lisse.
City in Italy
Florence
The cradle of the Renaissance
On the slope below Piazzale Michelangelo is a garden with about 1,500 kinds of iris. The iris is the city symbol. The garden opens only from late April to 20 May. From the terrace the view spans the Duomo and red roofs along the Arno. A music festival called Maggio Musicale fills the opera house.
Region in Italy
Tuscany
Rolling Hills, Wine and Renaissance Charm
Rolling hills of vines and olive trees stretch between Florence and Siena in the Chianti area. Red poppies dot the green fields in May. On the last weekend of May, wineries open for an event called Cantine Aperte. Many add food and music to the tastings. Drive the SR222 road between the villages.
Region in United Kingdom
Scotland
Mystic Highlands and Historic Castles
Distillers in Speyside open their doors each spring for a whisky festival. It usually runs in early May. May is often one of the driest months in the Highlands. The biting midges that plague summer have not hatched in force yet. Puffins return to cliffs on islands like Lunga. Days pass 16 hours of light.
City in Spain
Madrid
A vibrant mix of culture and nightlife
Isidore, a farm worker from the 1100s, is the patron saint of the city. His feast on 15 May starts the San Isidro festival. Locals dress in checked caps and flowered shawls. Couples dance the chotis, a slow local dance, in the Pradera de San Isidro park. Free concerts fill the plazas.
City in Czech Republic
Prague
A fairy-tale city with rich history
Petřín Hill rises above the Vltava River on the Lesser Town side. On 1 May couples kiss under its blooming cherry trees for luck. The custom is tied to a poem called May by Karel Hynek Mácha. On 12 May the Prague Spring music festival begins. Its first concert plays symphonic poems by Smetana.
City in Hungary
Budapest
A stunning mix of history and nightlife
May evenings stay light until after 8 p.m. Soak in the outdoor thermal pools at Széchenyi Bath as the sky turns pink. Locals fill Margaret Island for picnics and runs on its rubber track. Ruin bars open their leafy courtyards. From the Buda bank, Parliament glows gold across the Danube at dusk.
Island in Greece
Crete
A Journey Through History and Nature
Larger than any other Greek island, this one has room for snowy peaks and sandy beaches. The Samaria Gorge usually opens to hikers in early May. The trail drops 16 km from the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea. Wild thyme and poppies colour the hills. Ferries carry walkers from Agia Roumeli along the coast.
City in Portugal
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
Warmer than most European capitals, the city often reaches 24°C in May. Jacaranda trees turn whole squares purple near the end of the month. Largo do Carmo is a favourite spot to see them. Ride tram 28 up to Alfama. Sunsets glow from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
Region in Portugal
Algarve
Golden cliffs and azure waters
Ponta da Piedade has golden sea stacks and caves south of Lagos. Kayaks slip through the arches on calm May mornings. The water is still cool, but the beaches are almost empty. Wildflowers line the Seven Hanging Valleys trail on the cliffs. Days are sunny and warm without the summer heat.
City in United Kingdom
Edinburgh
History, Culture and Festival Fever
Celtic people marked the start of summer with a fire festival called Beltane. On 30 April a modern revival lights up Calton Hill with drummers and flames. In May yellow gorse covers the slopes of Arthur's Seat. Rhododendrons bloom at the Royal Botanic Garden. Light evenings last until after 9 p.m.
Island in Greece
Rhodes
Medieval Charm and Sun-Kissed Beaches
May brings warm sun but not yet the fierce heat of summer. That makes it a good month to climb to the Acropolis of Lindos. Below the cliffs, Saint Paul's Bay has calm clear water. In Rhodes Old Town, knights' inns line the Street of the Knights. Medieval walls circle the whole quarter.
City in Spain
Seville
Andalusia's Heartbeat of History
Hotter than most of Europe, the city often passes 28°C by late May. Plan sightseeing for the morning and rest in the afternoon. Shady gardens fill the Real Alcázar. Around Pentecost, pilgrims leave Triana with flower covered ox carts. They walk to the shrine of El Rocío for a huge pilgrimage.
Island in Portugal
Madeira
Dramatic Cliffs and Eternal Spring
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail follows a narrow water channel through laurel forest. It ends at a waterfall about 100 metres tall. In spring, Funchal holds a flower festival. Children add flowers to a Wall of Hope. Floats covered in blossoms parade through the streets. May weather is mild and dry for hiking.
Town in Norway
Bergen
The gateway to the fjords
Seven mountains ring this harbour city on Norway's west coast. The Fløibanen funicular climbs Mount Fløyen for views over the wooden Bryggen wharf. On 17 May, boys' brigades called buekorps march with drums for Constitution Day. The Bergen International Festival brings concerts and theatre in late May.
Valley in Italy
Val d'Orcia
Rolling vineyards cradle historic hilltop charm
May is the month when wheat fields here glow bright green before turning gold in June. Cypress trees line the winding roads near San Quirico d'Orcia. The small Vitaleta chapel stands alone on a ridge. In Bagno Vignoni a hot spring pool fills the village square. Pienza sells sheep cheese called pecorino.
Archipelago in Portugal
Azores
Volcanic Isles of Atlantic Wonders
Sulphur steam drifts over the hot springs at Furnas on São Miguel. Cooks bury pots of cozido stew in the warm ground for hours. In spring, blue whales pass the islands on their way north. Boats leave Ponta Delgada to watch them in April and May. Green crater lakes look fresh after the winter rain.
City in Croatia
Dubrovnik
The Pearl of the Adriatic
The city walls run almost 2 km around the old town. Walk them in May before the summer cruise crowds arrive. The Adriatic warms to swimming temperature by late May. A short ferry crosses to Lokrum, an island with peacocks and a small salt lake. Cable cars climb Mount Srđ for sunset views.
City in Croatia
Split
Roman Ruins, Adriatic Vibes, Beaches
Church bells ring across Diocletian's Palace on 7 May for the feast of Saint Domnius. Locals call the day Sudamja and fill the Riva for a big fair. Stalls sell wooden crafts and sweets. The Roman palace itself is about 1,700 years old. Swim at Bačvice Beach, where the sea is warming up.
City in Spain
Córdoba
A timeless blend of cultures
For two weeks each May, families open their private flower filled courtyards to the public. The Festival of the Patios has hundreds of geranium pots on whitewashed walls. Early in the month, crosses of flowers fill the squares for the Cruces de Mayo. Late May brings the Feria, a week of dancing in flamenco dresses.
Town in Italy
Siena
Timeless Charm in Tuscany
The Torre del Mangia has about 400 steps above the Piazza del Campo. From the top the shell shaped square looks small far below. In May people picnic on its sloping bricks in the sun. Flags of the 17 city districts called contrade hang in the narrow streets. The Duomo has a striped marble interior.
Island in United Kingdom
Isle of Skye
Dramatic Landscapes and Ancient Legends
An ancient landslide shaped the rocky spires of the Quiraing. The same slip created the Old Man of Storr. In May days last about 17 hours. May is usually drier than summer on the island. The blue Fairy Pools are clear and cold below the Cuillin ridge. Seals bask on rocks near Dunvegan Castle.
Island in Greece
Naxos
Golden Beaches and Ancient Charm
Wild thyme scents the trail up Mount Zas, the tallest peak in the Cyclades. At sunset crowds gather at the Portara, a giant marble doorway from an unfinished temple. In May the strong summer winds called the meltemi have not yet arrived. Plaka Beach is calm and almost empty.
Village in Norway
Flåm
Fjord Dreams and Railway Magic
The roar of Kjosfossen waterfall fills the air when the Flåm Railway stops beside it. In May snowmelt swells the falls to full force. The train climbs more than 850 metres from the fjord in about an hour. Kayaks glide on the still Aurlandsfjord below snowy peaks. Apple trees blossom in the valley.
Village in Norway
Geiranger
Majestic Fjords and Dramatic Waterfalls
Late May is when the road to the Dalsnibba viewpoint usually opens after winter. From nearly 1,500 metres it looks straight down on the deep blue fjord. Snowmelt pours down the Seven Sisters waterfall. Ferries pass close to it on the way to Hellesylt. Snow still lines the peaks above the green farms.
Island in Croatia
Hvar
Sun-Kissed Island with Vibrant Culture
Islanders meet for evening coffee on the Pjaca, the wide stone square by the harbour. In May the square is calm before the summer party crowds arrive. Water taxis hop to the pine covered Pakleni Islands for swimming. Climb to the Fortica fortress for sunset over the harbour. Sunny days are the norm.
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