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Colourful temple roof with ornate dragon statue overlooking coastal bay, blue ocean, islands and mountains – scenic Asian temple landscape.
Wanderlust · 6 min read · 22 April 2026

Where to go in May: 8 sunny escapes before the crowds hit

From Greek islands with no border queues to foodie city breaks and off-the-radar gems, here’s where to book now.

Mytilene | Greece

Greece ranks 33rd View through stone window of a coastal village with red-tiled roofs, green trees, and blue sea with a passing boat – scenic Mediterranean seaside landscape.

Greece just became one of the easiest places to visit from the UK. While most EU countries are rolling out new border checks under EES – including face and fingerprint scans – Greece has confirmed British passport holders won’t need them at any of its airports or seaports.

That means less time queueing and more time on holiday. And May’s a sweet spot – warm, sunny and far quieter than peak summer.

There are plenty of Greek islands to choose from, and you’ll rarely go wrong. But this year, Lesvos stands out. Head for Mytilene for laid-back harbour life, fresh seafood and ouzo that flows freely. The island smells of pine, the sea is never far away, and with average temperatures around 23°C, you can split your time between coastal walks and proper sunlounger sessions.

Turin | Italy

Italy ranks 32nd Historic domed building overlooking Turin cityscape with snow-capped Alps in the background – iconic European architecture and scenic mountain skyline.

Turin is climbing fast on our destination leaderboard, up 99% year-on-year. It’s got all the culture, food and architecture you’d expect from an Italian city break – just with fewer crowds than Rome, Florence or Venice.

Italy’s first capital has a Parisian feel, with wide boulevards, grand squares and miles of covered arcades. There’s plenty to explore, from royal palaces to world-class museums. And when it comes to food and drink, you’re in the right place.

Order a drink and you’ll often get snacks on the house. The Langhe wine region is nearby, so try a glass of Barolo or Barbaresco and settle into peak aperitivo culture. On the menu: truffle pasta, vitello tonnato, rich risottos and gianduja – the hazelnut chocolate that inspired Nutella.

May is also ideal for day trips. Head to the Alps for green valleys and snow-capped peaks without the ski-season crowds, or down to the Italian Riviera for sunny coastal walks and long lunches by the sea.

Kerkennah Islands | Tunisia

Tunisia ranks 106th Sun setting over calm ocean horizon with orange sky, small fishing boats silhouetted on the water – serene coastal sunset landscape.

Just off Tunisia’s east coast, the Kerkennah Islands feel a world away from busy resorts. You’ll reach them by ferry from Sfax, and once you’re there, things slow right down.

There are no big hotels or high-rises – just quiet villages, simple stays and a strong focus on local traditions. It’s a good pick if you want something low-key and off the radar.

It’s worth knowing that Tunisia ranks lower on our Good Trip Index, the Holiday Extras guide to travelling ethically, sustainably and well. Same-sex relationships are illegal, and local customs are more conservative than in many European destinations. Check our travel guide before you go so you know what to expect, or take a look at some of the best places in the world for LGBTQ+ travel if you’d rather visit somewhere welcoming to all.

Andalusia | Spain

Spain ranks 18th Plaza de España in Seville, Spain, featuring ornate historic buildings, arched colonnades, a canal with a bridge, and a wide tiled plaza under blue sky.

For sunshine without the peak-summer heat, Andalusia delivers in May. Days are warm, skies are clear and everything’s in bloom.

This is southern Spain at its most vibrant. In Seville, orange trees line the streets and flamenco spills out of bars after dark. Granada gives you the Alhambra and mountain views, while Córdoba’s old town is made for slow wandering.

Food is a highlight here. Think tapas hopping, chilled gazpacho and long evenings eating outdoors. Beaches along the Costa del Sol are warming up too, so you can mix city exploring with time by the sea.

Star Wars fan? Head to Plaza de España in Seville for May the Fourth. It was the filming location in Episode II for Theed on the planet Naboo, where Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala have a nice little chat about the Republic.

Vienna | Austria

Austria ranks 12th Belvedere Palace Vienna with formal baroque gardens, fountains, tree-lined paths, and city skyline in the background – elegant historic landmark.

Vienna in May feels fresh, green and easy to explore. The parks are in full bloom, outdoor cafés are busy again, and the city’s grand architecture looks even better in the spring light.

You’ve got the classics – Schönbrunn Palace, the State Opera, the museums – but it’s just as much about slowing down. Grab a coffee and cake in a traditional café, or head to a wine tavern on the edge of the city for a relaxed evening.

But never mind all that. The real reason to visit Vienna this May is that it’s hosting Eurovision, after JJ won last year with Wasted Love. Expect the hills to be alive with the sound of Europop bangers.

Taiwan

Taiwan ranks 22nd Crowds at Raohe Street Night Market entrance in Taipei, glowing neon archway, busy street food stalls, and lively evening city atmosphere.

Taiwan really comes into its own in May. The weather is warm but not overwhelming, making it a great time to explore everything from buzzing cities to forest-covered mountains and coastal towns. It’s the kind of place where you can start your day in a skyscraper-lined capital and end it soaking in hot springs or watching the sunset by the sea.

The Dragon Boat Festival brings colour, energy and centuries of tradition, with races taking place on rivers across the country. Beyond the festival, Taiwan is a full-on cultural feast. Night markets, mountain scenery, temples and some of the best street food in Asia all sit side by side.

Grenoble | France

France ranks 20th Colourful hillside houses beneath a historic fortress with cable cars overhead and distant snowy mountains – scenic European city landscape at sunset.

Grenoble is officially the top rising destination for Holiday Extras customers, increasing in popularity by an incroyable 419% since last year. Tucked between the French Alps, it’s a great base for a spring escape. In May, the mountains are still snow-capped, but down in the city it’s warm enough for café terraces and riverside walks.

Take the cable car up to the Bastille for views across the valley, or use the city as a launchpad for hiking, cycling or day trips deeper into the Alps.

It’s lively but not overwhelming, with a strong food scene and a steady flow of students keeping things relaxed and affordable.

Nessebar | Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranks 43rd Colourful fishing boats moored in a sunny coastal harbour with calm blue water, lampposts, and distant mountains – peaceful seaside marina scene.

Nessebar blends beach time with a dose of history. Set on a small peninsula on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, it’s known for its cobbled streets, wooden houses and ancient churches.

May is ideal – warm enough for a tan, but quieter than the summer rush. You can explore the old town in the morning, then head to the beach for a swim or a laid-back afternoon by the sea.

It’s an easy, good-value option if you want sun, culture and a slower pace before peak season kicks in.


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