Fancy a trip to warmer climates? We present you the best travel destinations in May and, as always, provide you with plenty of inspiration. We consider May to be one of the best months for travel. Destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Croatia in particular already attract visitors with their summery warm temperatures.

In May, the peak travel season is before the summer holidays, which means that many popular holiday destinations are less crowded. This means you can enjoy the sights, beaches, and cities in a relaxed atmosphere without having to deal with large crowds or long queues (there are exceptions, of course).

  • Overview map of travel destinations in May
  • 1. Sardinia
  • 2. Algarve
  • 3. Cappadocia
  • 4. Madeira
  • 5. Philippines
  • 6. Lombok
  • 7. Albania
  • 8. Andalusia
  • 9. Chalkidiki
  • 10. Fischland-Darß-Zingst
  • 11. Jordan
  • 12. Ireland
  • Other travel destinations in May
  • Destinations in May – Conclusion

Overview map of travel destinations in May

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1. Sardinia

Sardinia is also often referred to as the “Caribbean of Europe”, and there are several reasons for this. Not only stunning beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Europe, await you, but also dramatic cliffs, idyllic bays, imposing mountain ranges, and rolling green hills. Sardinia’s landscape is at its most beautiful in May.

In May, Sardinia enjoys mild, pleasant weather with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (mostly warmer). It’s definitely warm enough to enjoy the beaches, but not too hot. The nights can be a bit cooler, but overall, the climate in May is ideal for outdoor activities.

Another plus: Compared to the summer months of June, July, and August, when the island is overcrowded, May is much quieter. You can explore the picturesque beaches and pretty towns in a relaxed atmosphere. You can also look forward to lower prices in Sardinia in May.

Quick Facts Sardinia

  • Type of trip: Beach, sightseeing, round trip, active, pleasure
  • Climate: 22 °C – 27 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approximately €90 to €130 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Sardinia*

Blog posts and travel tips for Sardinia

schoensten-straende-sardinien-cala-coticcio

2. Algarve

We’ve been to the Algarve (Portugal) many times, most recently for a whole month. We enjoyed fantastic weather every day. Temperatures in May are pleasantly warm, but not as hot as in the summer months, which is ideal for exploring or sporting activities. Enjoy temperatures between 20°C and 25°C and many, many hours of sunshine every day.

Compared to the summer months of July and August, May is a bit quieter in the Algarve. Although many tourists flock to popular destinations like Lagos, Faro, and Albufeira in May, it’s still not as crowded as it is in summer.

The sea is still a bit chilly in May (around 17°C – 19°C), but you can certainly swim in the Atlantic if you’re not a cold person. Many hotels and resorts also have heated pools if the water is a bit too chilly for you. We highly recommend a trip to the Algarve! The region is simply great!

Quick Facts Algarve

  • Type of trip: Beach, Sightseeing, Round trip, Active,
  • Climate: 22 °C – 25 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect around €80 to €150 pp per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Algarve*

Blog posts and travel tips for the Algarve

Praia da Marinha Algarve Beach

3. Cappadocia

Have you ever heard of Cappadocia? This fascinating region in Central Anatolia (Turkey) is known for its spectacular rock landscapes, mysterious underground cities, and millennia-old rock churches. You can also enjoy unique nature experiences such as hot air balloon rides over the breathtaking panorama of the valleys.

Cappadocia attracts many tourists, especially in midsummer and autumn. In May, however, the region is not yet as crowded as in later months, so you can enjoy the sights such as the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, the rock churches of Göreme, or the Uchisar Rock Castle in a somewhat quieter atmosphere.

Quick Facts Cappadocia

  • Type of trip: Round trip, sightseeing, active
  • Climate: 18 °C to 21 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approximately €70 to €120 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Turkey*

Blog post and travel tips for Cappadocia

Best Travel Destinations in May: Cappadocia

4. Madeira

Madeira (Portugal) is known for its breathtaking nature and year-round mild climate. On the main island, you can expect a fascinating mix of steep coastlines, lush green forests, and charming villages. Thanks to its volcanic origin, the island boasts a unique landscape with spectacular mountain peaks and valleys, perfect for hikers and nature lovers.

And you’ve probably also heard that Madeira is known for its floral splendor, which has earned it the nickname “Island of Eternal Spring.” The combination of untouched nature and mild weather makes Madeira a perfect year-round destination. In May, you can expect 10 hours of sunshine per day and only 3 rainy days per month.

Quick Facts Madeira

  • Type of trip: Round trip, sightseeing, active
  • Climate: 20 °C to 23 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect to pay approximately €80 to €150 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Madeira*

Blog post and travel tips for Madeira

Madeira-Sights-Highlights-Landscape

5. Philippines

Want to venture further afield? The Philippines are known for their stunning beaches. The best beaches include Boracay, Palawan (El Nido and Coron), and Siargao, which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. May is an excellent time for activities such as surfing, especially in Siargao, where the waves are perfect.

The stunning landscapes of the Philippines, including rice paddies, waterfalls, and volcanoes, are ideal for hiking and exploring. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a whale shark tour. In May, you have a very good chance of encountering these gentle giants in the sea.

May marks the end of the dry season in most parts of the country. While occasional showers are possible, rainfall is generally light, especially during the first two weeks of the month. Look forward to summery warm temperatures of 30 °C to 33 °C.

Quick Facts Philippines

  • Type of trip: Active, island hopping, beach, sightseeing
  • Climate: 30 °C to 33 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect around €50 to €80 pp per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: Stefan Loose Philippines*

Blog post and travel tips for the Philippines

The best travel destinations in May - Philippines

6. Lombok

The perfect time to travel to Bali and Lombok is also in May. Lombok has some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia, including Kuta Beach, Selong Belanak, and Tanjung Aan, ideal for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, is also a popular destination on Lombok. May is a good time to go on exciting hikes.

The rainy season is coming to an end in May and there is less rainfall than in the previous months. You can expect more sunny days. In May the weather on Lombok is summery warm and pleasant, with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. The water temperature is 29°C.

Quick Facts Lombok

  • Type of trip: Active, road trip, beach, sightseeing
  • Climate: 25°C to 30°C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approx. €80 to €140 pp per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Bali & Lombok*

Blog post and travel tips for Lombok

Lombok-Tipps-Mawun-Beach

7. Albania

The small, diverse country of Albania is one of the best travel destinations in May. The Albanian Riviera, especially places like Dhërmi, Jale Beach, and Ksamil, offers beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Albania is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Albanian Alps.

Albania in May is a perfect choice for those who want to combine beach, nature, and culture. With pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and a wide range of activities, you can enjoy this fascinating country to the fullest. Look forward to temperatures of up to 24°C and around 8 hours of sunshine per day.

Quick Facts Albania

  • Type of trip: Active, road trip, beach, sightseeing
  • Climate: 20°C to 24°C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approximately €50 to €100 per person per day (middle class)
  • Travel guide: Travel Know-How Albania*

Blog posts and travel tips for Albania

The best travel destinations in May – Round Trip through Albania

8. Andalusia

For the month of May, we highly recommend a trip to Andalusia (Spain). The southernmost region of Spain has an incredible amount to offer. The breathtaking natural landscapes of this region range from the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol to the impressive mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada.

We also really enjoyed the many picturesque mountain villages with their great architecture, spectacular views, and authentic atmosphere, such as Ronda, Mijas, and Vejer de la Frontera. And let’s not forget the beautiful and worth-seeing cities of Seville, Málaga, and Granada.

In May, temperatures in Andalusia are warm but not too hot. Daytime temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C (depending on the region), and it hardly rains during this month. In coastal regions like Málaga and Cádiz, you can often enjoy a pleasant breeze. May is PERFECT for Andalusia!

Quick Facts Andalusia

  • Type of trip: Active, road trip, beach, sightseeing
  • Climate: 20 °C to 25 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect to pay approx. €100 to €200 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Andalusia*

Blog posts and travel tips for Andalusia

Best travel destinations in May Tarifa Andalusia

9. Chalkidiki

A very good travel destination for mid/late May is Chalkidiki in Greece. This beautiful peninsula is located in the north of the country, not far from Thessaloniki. Chalkidiki consists of three main parts, often referred to as the “Three Fingers”: Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. Each of these “fingers” has its own charm and highlights.

In May, you can expect summer temperatures of around 25°C and 8 hours of sunshine per day. So you can pack your bikini, beach towel, and swimming trunks with a clear conscience. At this time, the beaches are also not yet as crowded as they are in the summer months of July and August. Chalkidiki is worth a road trip!

Quick Facts Chalkidiki

  • Type of trip: Active, Road trip, Beach, Sightseeing
  • Climate: 23 °C to 25 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approximately €100 to €150 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Chalkidiki*

Blog post and travel tips for Chalkidiki

Kallithea Kassandra Chalkidiki

10. Fischland-Darß-Zingst

One of the most beautiful regions in Germany is the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The beaches in Ahrenshoop or Prerow invite you to relax and stroll in May, and they are not yet overcrowded. The region offers many well-marked hiking and cycling trails, ideal for exploring the wonderful natural surroundings.

The Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park is particularly worth seeing. In May, the breeding season begins for many bird species, making the region an ideal destination for birdwatching. Fischland also has a vibrant artist community and invites you to explore its many studios and galleries. Look out for the colorful “Darß Doors.”

Quick Facts Fischland

  • Type of trip: Active, sightseeing, enjoyment
  • Climate: 10 °C to 18 °C
  • Price level: Expect approximately €80 to €150 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Fischland-Darß-Zingst*

Blog posts and travel tips for Fischland

Hohe-Duene-Fischland-Darss-Pramort-2

11. Jordan

Experience the magic of the desert in a very special way: fascinating landscapes, captivating stories, magical cities, and the feeling of weightlessness in the Dead Sea. All this awaits you on an unforgettable tour through Jordan. Immerse yourself in an impressive world full of culture and breathtaking nature and discover the diverse facets of this extraordinary country.

The month of May is ideal for a road trip through Jordan. It is summery warm, but not yet as hot as the summer months of July and August. Furthermore, there is hardly any rain. In May, you can expect temperatures of up to 35°C (e.g., on the Red Sea near Aqaba) and a water temperature between 20°C and 27°C.

Quick Facts Jordan

  • Type of trip: Active, Road trip, Sightseeing, Beach
  • Climate: 21 °C to 35 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approx. €100 to €200 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: Reise Know-How Jordan*

Blog posts and travel tips for Jordan

Best travel destinations in May Jordan Wadi Rum Desert

12. Ireland

One of the best travel destinations in May is Ireland. The Emerald Isle in the Atlantic awaits you with a spectacular coastline, imposing cliffs and rocks, charming villages and towns, stunningly beautiful beaches, and lush green hills.

Compared to the summer months, there are even fewer tourists in May, making visiting sights like the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, or the Dingle Peninsula more pleasant.

The weather in May is relatively pleasant, with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C (it feels warmer with plenty of sunshine). May is one of the driest months, although it can, of course, rain occasionally. Ireland is ideal for an individual tour with a rental car or camper.

Quick Facts Ireland

  • Type of trip: Active, road trip, sightseeing
  • Climate: 10 °C to 15 °C (depending on the region)
  • Price level: Expect approximately €100 to €150 per person per day (mid-range)
  • Travel guide: DuMont Ireland*

Blog posts and travel tips for Ireland

Best travel destinations in May Ireland

More travel destinations in May

Long-haul destinations

Relaxation

City trips

Europe

Destinations in May – Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous great travel destinations in May. With summer temperatures and fewer tourists, many places like Sardinia, the Algarve, or Andalusia offer the perfect mix of nature, culture, beaches, and adventure. Most European destinations are not yet overcrowded in May and therefore offer a relaxed atmosphere.

And now you’re spoiled for choice – which travel destination is right for you? Where will your next trip take you? Feel free to write it in the comments.