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Europe is the ideal destination in May for both nature enthusiasts and city dwellers. With spring giving way to summer across the continent, Europeans place a high value on fiestas and celebrations as the long days and short nights approach. May is an excellent month to travel in Europe because of the fantastic weather and the lack of crowds in some of the cities. Without further Ado let’s dive into Best places to travel in europe in May.
See the unusual Beltane ceremony in Edinburgh, a pagan fire festival that heralds the arrival of summer, or take part in the Christian celebrations in Madrid, where San Isidro is exalted with a great deal of fanfare and music. The Algarve, Malta, and Cyprus all offer southern European sunshine, but the Nordic countries begin to have exceptionally long days in May, which makes Norway and Iceland attractive travel destinations.
Following these exciting and distinctive bucket list destinations will ensure that you have an amazing time exploring this stunning continent during your late-spring getaway. With so much to see and do in Europe during this time of year, you might not know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together our list of the best places to visit in Europe in May for you!
THE TOP 15 LOCATIONS IN EUROPE FOR MAY TRAVEL
1. United Kingdom / London May’s Top Travel Destinations in Europe:
London, United Kingdom one of the most enjoyable places to travel in May in Europe is London. Even though the weather may seem moderate to you, you’ll adore how Londoners are welcoming the British summer by swarming to public parks and pub beer gardens (try Hyde Park!) as soon as the first signs of sunlight appear in the sky.
Although this isn’t the south of Spain, temperatures can reach as high as 18 or even 19 degrees Celsius (and on an exceptionally hot day, they might even break the 20 degree Celsius threshold). With the extended evenings and a disproportionately high number of Bank Holiday weekends (a form of public holiday), people are guaranteed to be outside come rain or shine.
You can begin by crossing out all of the tourist attractions that London has a ton to offer. See Buckingham Palace, see the Tower of London, and take in the Changing of the Guard (ideally without the dreaded English rain). The weather is ideal for taking a walking tour of London’s top attractions, and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place in May, is a vibrant exhibition of floral splendor.
After visiting the main landmarks of London (such as Westminster, Big Ben, and HMS Head down to Camden or Shoreditch, where you can spend a leisurely afternoon and long evening sampling craft beers, ales, and cocktails on rooftop pubs (we enjoy the Aviary or Queen of Hoxton). Belfast, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and so much more are all worth seeing.
2. Spain May Vacation Spots in Europe: Andalusia, Spain
The south of Spain is called Andalusia, and it’s one of the greatest places to travel in May in Europe if you want to take advantage of the intense May heat. Not surprisingly, the sunniest and most reliable weather in Europe can be found along the southern shores of Andalusia, which are only a short boat trip from North Africa.
May temperatures typically reach highs of 27, 28, or 29 degrees Celsius by the end of the month, with highs already above 20 degrees at the beginning of the month. That seems ideal for a beach vacation, and if that’s more your thing, there are plenty of properties along the Costa del Sol to pick from.
Nevertheless, organizing a trip that incorporates beaches, tapas, history, and culture is the finest thing about Andalusia. The main city in the area, Seville, has ideal weather for a walking tour of the Plaza de Espana. You can indulge in an infinite supply of wine and tapas after witnessing the profound ecstasy of a flamenco performance.
Which European locations experience shoulder season in May? Andalusia, SpainMay’s Must-See Locations in Europe: Andalusia, Spain proceed to the renowned White Towns, or Pueblo Blancos, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where you may explore a history of Moorish influence that dates back to 711 AD. The milder climates are pleasant, and in Ronda you may visit a town built above sheer cliffs and discover the area’s bullfighting traditions.
Experience the splendor of the Alhambra in Granada, the final Islamic city in Spain to be retaken by Christians, and end your journey with magnificent beaches in Malaga, Picasso’s birthplace.
3. LAKE BALATON, HUNGARY
Best Places to Visit in Europe in May: Lake Balaton, Hungary Budapest can be visited at any time of year, but we recommend escaping the crowds with a trip to Lake Balaton, a long freshwater lake with 120 miles of shoreline. Hungary is surprisingly hot in May, thanks to the landlocked country’s continental climate, and it’s fast becoming one of Europe’s hottest summer vacation destinations. But still, when you think of Hungary, you probably think of Budapest, even though there are many more stunning locations to explore.
Hungary’s Lake Balaton You’ll be glad to see the chilly waters of Lake Balaton in May when the mercury rises above 20 degrees. Don’t worry if it’s not quite warm enough for you to go swimming—Lake Balaton has long been known as a popular spa resort. Romans cherished the area’s thermal springs, and a visit to Heviz Spa will allow you to do the same.
You may trek, ride a bike, or take a boat around the lake if you base yourself in a lakefront town like Siofok or Balatonfured. After spending a weekend (or, why not, a week?) at Lake Balaton, visit wineries, Szigelet Castle, Tihany Abbey, and Festetics Castle before returning to Budapest properly rejuvenated.
4. PRAGUE, CHECH
One of the most well-liked travel locations in Central Europe and among the top May destinations in Europe is Prague. In addition to avoiding the summer crowds (though, let’s face it, Prague can get crowded at any time of year), the average daily temperature of 18 degrees Celsius makes it ideal for walking tours.
Take advantage of Prague’s Free Walking Tours and pay only what you think the tour was worth at the conclusion. Your tour guides are highly motivated to show you the finest that Prague has to offer. You will learn about the history and culture of the area while you explore well-known attractions including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the renowned Astronomical Clock.
A beer tour in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, requires no introduction—this city was meant for drinking! Join a food tour to sample some of the top goulash restaurants in the city while you’re there.
Prague’s extensive festival season begins in May, with the Czech Beer Festival and the Prague Spring Music Festival being the highlights of the schedule. Additionally, May 1st marks the start of a distinctive Czech custom in which lovers hike up Petrin Hill to share a kiss beneath the blooming summer flowers.
5. CYPrUS
Top European Destinations for May: Cyprus May is a fantastic month for a beach vacation in Cyprus, a traditional Mediterranean location with highs of 27 degrees Celsius. In Larnaca, Limassol, or Paphos, seaside resorts are offering amazing offers as Cyprus prepares for the summer tourists who arrive in June.
May is the perfect month to spend relaxing by the hotel’s pool, indulging in halloumi and gyros, and sipping the greatest Mediterranean wines available. Go to Ayia Napa if you enjoy a wild evening, as the pubs and clubs there are starting to turn wild.
But adventurous travelers will also find plenty to enjoy in Cyprus. The third-largest island in the Med has relics of Mycenaean, Greek, and Roman civilization that dates back to 10,000 BC. Spend your mornings seeing the historic sites of Kourion, the Tomb of the Kings, or Paphos Castle, and your afternoons relaxing on the beach.
The capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is where you may study more recent history. The island of Cyprus is split between Greeks and Turks, with the long-standing divisions between the two groups evident in Nicosia. However, in recent years, things have greatly cooled down, and you may cross the border into Turkish Cyprus safely to visit the Crusader Castles, remote peninsulas that are home to wild donkeys and historic places such as the Salamis Ruins.
6. Bergen, Norway
Where in Europe to Go on Vacation in May? Bergen, NorwayNorway is the ideal location if, after a long winter, you’re itching for some sunshine. Being a country of extremes, the Nordic region is letting go of its brief, dark days and welcoming longer daylight hours as May approaches.
May has up to 17 hours of sunshine, and as you move farther north and approach the June summer solstice, you’ll have even more sunny hours. It goes hand in hand with Norwegians’ intense love of the great outdoors, and now is the ideal season for sailing, biking, kayaking, hiking, and much more.
One of Norway’s oldest cities, Bergen, is a destination we highly suggest. Bergen, your starting point for exploring the western fjords, is surrounded by seven towering peaks. In the woodlands, look for troll legends; in the city’s well-known fish market, savor the freshest cod right from the boats; or discover the artistic legacy at the Kode galleries, which are home to Edvard Munch artworks.
Naturally, when summer arrives, you have to board a Hurtigruten ferry or go through the fjords on the famous Flam Railway. Proceed northward from Bergen and arrive in Norway’s longest fjord, Sognefjord.
7. ICELAND
Top European Destinations for May: Iceland Similar to Norway, Iceland is among the top European locations to visit in May if you’re in need of some vitamin D. In a country where the sun never sets during the summer, Icelanders are preparing for several months of sunshine after a long winter and a brief spring.
Aside from visiting the Vatnajokull Glacier or the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, of course, forget about seeing ice. Instead, enjoy the long days and mild weather as you experience an abundance of daylight hours on average. We are thrilled about it since it gives us more time to explore!
Whether you like visiting different museums in Reykjavik (we particularly like the Settlement Exhibition, the Whales of Iceland, and the Icelandic Phallological Museum), or not Whether taking a Golden Circle trip or exploring other top Icelandic landmarks, you’ll have a blast.
May is the first month when the better weather actually makes it possible to take a road journey around Iceland’s famous Ring Road, even though a quick excursion is still fantastic. Hire a vehicle and drive along Route 1, stopping at beaches with black sand, volcanoes, puffin-populated islands, whale-watching hotspots like as Husavik, and natural hot springs such as Myvatn Nature Baths.
8. THE PORTUGAL ALGARVE
Which locations in Europe experience shoulder season in May? Portugal’s Algarve May be the ideal month to visit the Algarve, one of Portugal’s most picturesque vacation spots. The Algarve, Portugal’s most southern region, is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches and resorts, its striking sea cliffs and coastal hikes, its delicious seafood, and its laid-back taverns.
Although May brings temperatures in the mid-20s (degrees Celsius), the Atlantic winds that blow over the coastline frequently keep the beaches cool. If your goal is to unwind, fly into Faro and reserve a hotel or condo on the beach. Praia da Luz is an ideal destination for a relaxed getaway in a tiny, historic fishing village that’s Currently focused on tourism, bigger Lagos is renowned for its contemporary marina and historic walled town.
In May, the weather is ideal for trekking, so we suggest getting on the trails. The Fishermen’s Trail is a fantastic 12-day, 143-mile walk along the coast that begins at Praia de Marinha and ends at Praia do Vale de Centianes. It is a four-mile walking route that is a great place to start.
Read: Best places in visit in Europe in november
9. Madrid, España
May Travel Destinations in Europe: Madrid, Spain Madrid experiences (relatively) mild May temperatures in the mid 20s (degrees Celsius), providing a much-needed break before the sweltering July and August heat waves approach. If you enjoy walking, that’s fantastic since you’ll enjoy seeing well-known locations like Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, and Retiro Park from the ground up (why not take advantage of a free walking tour?).
However, Madrid is a great place to travel at any time of year, and the main reason to go to the Spanish capital in May is to take part in the celebrations honoring San Isidro, the patron saint of the city. The biggest yearly celebration in Madrid is called San Isidro Fiesta, and it falls on a public holiday in May San Isidro, also called Isidore the Laborer, was a native of Madrid who flourished in the eleventh century. The saint, who lived and died about a millennium ago, is still revered today and is credited with hundreds of miracles. Locals dress in traditional attire, religious rituals are held in churches, and concerts are held in squares and parks throughout the fiesta.
10. Malta
Malta has sunny spells at the worst of the year, but in May, this small Mediterranean island is guaranteed to be bathed in sunlight, with late-May highs of 24 degrees Celsius.
Located off of the southern tip of Sicily, Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, but its strategic location at the crossroads of East and West ensures it’s had a fascinating history. To learn more, head to the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, the country’s capital, before heading out to explore the ancient megalithic temples (including Ggantija) that are thought to date back at least 5,500 years.
11. Sofia, Bulgaria
May’s Must-See Locations in Europe: Sofia, Bulgaria are you looking for somewhere off the beaten track to visit in May whilst visiting Europe? So why not purchase a ticket to Sofia? Even if the capital of Bulgaria has May temperatures as high as 20 degrees Celsius, the city receives a small fraction of the visitors that other well-known destinations like Prague and Budapest receive.
It nearly seems like you are traveling to an other planet when you visit Sofia. The city’s communist-era apartment buildings are dwarfed by Orthodox cathedrals, which stand out for their brilliant round domes and golden interiors. To facilitate your excursions, you’ll need to become familiar with the Cyrillic script.
See the National Palace of Culture, the National Museum of History, the National Museum of Archaeology, and many more amazing sites, including the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Next, tuck into a Shopska salad or a kebab prepared in the Bulgarian manner, and enjoy it with a glass of handmade rakia!