Where To Go In May
Easter is behind us and summer holidays lie months ahead, so a promise of a May getaway to tide us over seems especially alluring. High spring weather in Europe and an everchanging global landscape means a trip close to home might appeal to some. Further afield, emerging destinations offer new and exciting possibilities. Whether now is the time for an adventure of a lifetime, or a quick break, there’s a range of holidays ready to please. Here are my picks of the best destinations to visit in May.
Tuscany, Italy
Every time I’ve visited Tuscany, it’s welcomed me with open arms in the form of postcard-perfect views, sumptuous wine and indulgent cuisine. It doesn’t need anything more to convince me of a return visit but there’s a perfect excuse in May, with the contemporary Flash Festival.
Taking place on 13th to 16th May at Castiglion Fiorentino, a picturesque medieval walled village, it brings the pull of Tuscany to a festival site, and puts on music, food and fun to make a party of it.
On stage are Moxie, Mr Scruff, Atrip and Midland among others – but even if they’re not your favourites, think of them as a soundtrack for a glorious weekend of pasta making classes, morning yoga looking out on rolling hills, and wine masterclasses with 19 independent winemakers spanning all of Italy.
Guilin, China
While far-flung, budget airlines are making less populous Chinese destinations accessible. And while thriving cities like Bejing and Shanghai have an appeal of their own, few places can draw your breath like Guilin.
Located in southern China, it’s renowned for its unique landscape of glassy lakes and rivers surrounded by oblong karst hills. These lofty hills dominate the landscape, and also make it possible to get a bird’s eye view of the vista. The most popular karst hill to climb is Antenna Hill, which begins in the town’s centre and takes around 30 minutes, with 250 steps. It rewards hikers with sweeping views of the hills, pagodas and countryside so idyllic it’s found on the country’s bank notes. With authentic cuisine, rice paddies and river cruises amongst other attractions, it’s an often-missed destination that won’t stay under the radar much longer.
May 1st to 5th are national holidays in China, so plan your trip for the 6th onwards to get the best availability and prices.
High Coast, Sweden
Closer to home, the Unesco World Heritage Site of the High Coast – or Höga Kusten – of Sweden is another feat of nature. A vast area of valleys, forests, cliffs, coast and archipelago islands and still rising upwards by 8mm a year, it’s a destination that shows how nature is alive.
The ever-changing scenes also means it’s a popular destination with hikers, who follow the established High Coast Trail. Start at Hornöberget, the southern point of the 135km trail. The sections snaking north towards Örnsköldsvik range from easy to pro-level, and they’re well-marked with orange paint on trees. Shelters provide sanctuary if needed – though rest assured, springtime in this northerly region will have taken hold in May.
Tasmania, Australia
We’ve had strong aurora borealis over the last few years, so for those who have caught the Northern Lights, it’s time to add the Southern Lights to your bucket list. Exactly the same natural phenomenon but for the southern hemisphere, they begin to appear every year in May. You stand the best chance of seeing the dancing colours of green, red, pink and purple in Tasmania, the island state located below Australia.
Try a stay in South Bruny Island, an hour and a half away by car and ferry from the capital of Hogarth. It’s known for its fresh oysters, dolphin colonies and the remarkably gorgeous Quarantine Station at Barnes Bay that tells its history. Crucially, it’s on the south of the island, and offers low light pollution – the ideal conditions for catching this curious quirk of nature.
Seville, Spain
One of the hottest European destinations in May, Seville is the place to come for the best chance of T-shirt weather. While the temps of around 27C and long evenings may be what brings travellers in, they’ll stay for the glorious culture and history of this storied city. A blend of European, Arab and North African cultures, there’s something fascinating around every corner, whether it’s the Royal Alcázar (the opulent Moorish palace and gardens that served as a filming location for Game of Thrones), the flowing Guadalquivir River, bustling squares where regulars catch up over tapas and a Cruzcampo beer, or contemporary art galleries.
Best of all, May is when the tourism influx has yet to hit its peak, so expect reasonable prices and shorter queues.
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