Where To Head In May
It’s no secret that spring is one of the best times to travel: the weather in the northern hemisphere starts to improve, and we can finally put the long and dark winter season firmly behind us. Even better, now that Easter has passed and peak season is just around the corner, prices will still be cheaper compared to travelling between June and August – so it’s the perfect month to grab a bargain break to somewhere warm and sunny.
Whether you’re after a cultural city break or are longing for a week on the beach with a good book, here’s our suggestions of the best places to travel to in May.
Milan, Italy
While often overshadowed by Rome, Florence and Venice, Milan is a great city break destination for lots of tempting reasons. Let’s start with the stunning architecture, Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper, and the incredible cuisine. Milan is especially lovely in the month of May, as while the heat of summer makes it harder to comfortably walk through the city, May’s average temperatures of 20–25C is perfect for those who like to explore on foot.
After a couple of days of seeing all that Milan’s got to offer, you can take a day trip to Lake Como, roughly an hour away by train. May is one of the best months to visit this famous lake, as it receives 11 hours of sunshine per day on average. Plus, beautiful flowers like rhododendrons and azaleas will be blooming on the shores of the lake, making it picture perfect.
Marrakech, Morocco
Temperatures around 25C and barely any rainfall make May a great month to visit Marrakech in Morocco. This ancient city is filled with the most vibrant colours, smells and sounds. The Medina and markets are exciting to explore, especially before the heat of summer kicks in. May is also your last chance to visit the Sahara Desert before summer arrives. Trips to the desert from Marrakech usually take a couple of days, but seeing the colourful dunes make it more than worth it. Just make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen!
Barcelona, Spain
If choosing between a city break and a beach holiday is too difficult, Barcelona should be on your list this May. Nearby mountains, beautiful architecture, delicious food, vibrant nightlife and a beach, this Spanish city has it all. You’ll be able to see the world-famous Sagrada Familia, wander through the Gothic Quarter, visit the Picasso Museum and walk along the beach promenade. May is one of the best months to visit Barcelona, as the temperatures are mild, but it’s warm enough for a couple of days on the beach. Small music festivals are held across the city, kickstarting an exciting upcoming summer. Visiting Barcelona in May also gives you the opportunity to attend the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix, just outside of the city at Circuit de Catalunya.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Sun-seekers who want a bargain deal before the big crowds in the summer months may want to look at visiting Lanzarote in May. Lanzarote gets warmest between June and September, but May offers very comfortable temperatures of around 25–30C degrees. The subtropical climate makes it perfect if you want to relax on the beach or by the pool. And if you’re looking for something a bit more active its stunning and unique landscapes are perfect for cycling and hiking. Make sure to visit Timanfaya National Park, where you can see the ‘Fire Mountains’ that were created after a volcanic eruption centuries ago.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels isn’t only good for the most delicious chips, waffles and chocolates (even though those are definitely a big plus). There’s lots more to see and experience in this city and May’s a great time to visit. The annual Iris Festival is held at the start of the month. All across the city, you’ll be able to attend outdoor concerts and workshops. May is also Pride Month in Belgium, and Brussels is the place to attend the colourful parade through the inner city. The last weekend of May is also known as the Brussels Jazz Weekend – another free festival where jazz fans gather to enjoy live music in the open air and in venues. But even if you’re not planning to attend any of these events, Brussels makes for a fantastic city break thanks to its busy mix of history, culture and sights.
It’s important to check before booking (and right up until you travel) what the latest rules and regs are for your chosen destination, including the entry requirements, in regards to COVID-19 by visiting the relevant government website, or the foreign travel advice pages at gov.uk.
And if you’re looking for travel insurance to protect an up and coming trip Switched On policies cover COVID-19 related issues as standard, while our COVID-19 Protect add on offers enhanced protection if you’re travelling in Europe. Find out more here.