My Top Places to Visit in May
Fresh on the heels of my April article, here I am in May with another top places to visit list. Why does the weather still feel like winter? Or it does as I’m writing this anyway! I did the school run in gloves this morning… ridiculous! If the dreary weather has got you considering a break, here are my top places to visit in May. Be warned… they’re not all hot and sunny but I do have a couple of breaks in there guaranteed to warm you up! And if anything, they’ll take your mind off the weather here.
The Algarve
First on my list of top places to visit in May is the Algarve. With average highs of 23°C, short flights and usually pretty good flight times from the UK, the Algarve is a popular holiday choice for families. In May the weather is getting steadily warmer, but the resorts and towns aren’t yet too busy. There are plenty of resorts to choose from showcasing the best of what the Algarve has to offer.
If you love walking, May is the perfect time to explore some of the Algarve’s many hiking routes. The 185-mile Via Algarviana meanders through hills and rural villages with plenty of traditional places to stay along the route. It’s also warm enough to visit many of the hidden coves and bays the Algarve is known for. Stop off in one of the traditional fishing villages to feast on freshly caught fish. Straight from the boats onto the BBQ!
The Algarve is a great destination for the golf fans out there with championship golf courses spread throughout the region. Pine Cliffs is one of the most popular resorts in the area. With hotels, villas and residences to suit any family size, plus a golf course, football and tennis coaching and an array of pools. It will keep even the most active families busy. If you fancy something a little more laid back, there are all-inclusive hotels with waterparks, kids and clubs and daily entertainment. Just rock up, pop your towel down and relax!
Catalonia
There’s more to Catalonia than just Barcelona. Temperatures in May reach around 24°C, and the long days make it easy to explore the region. Visit the Roman town of Tarragona, or the old quarter of Girona which could rival the beauty of Barcelona. Stay in the coastal resorts of the Costa Brava or Costa Dorado for a beach holiday with added exploring opportunities.
Of course, we couldn’t talk about Catalonia without mentioning Barcelona. The city is often bustling with tourists, so going earlier in the season means you can explore a little more without fighting some of the crowds. Now would be a good time to visit the Sagrada Familia, which is almost complete after 140 years of building! Check out the amazing food markets and tucked away Tapas restaurants for a real taste of the region. Or kick back and spend a couple of hours on the beach watching the world go by. If you’re a sport enthusiast then a visit to the Olympic Park is a must. You’ll also be able to check out where FC Barcelona are currently playing while their new stadium is under construction.
Holidays to this region have been a popular request for me so far this spring. More families are considering staying in the resorts around Reus and Girona, which gives them all the convenience of a hotel holiday, but with easily accessible day trips on their doorsteps. Staying in resorts such as Salou or La Pineda de Mar gives train access to Barcelona and Tarragona so families can really make the most of their time in the area. There’s also plenty to do in these resorts such as theme parks and water parks. Whether you stay close to the resort or choose to explore further afield, there’s something for everyone.
Scotland
The next place on my top places to visit in May list is a little closer to home. The Scottish Highlands are beautiful in May with wildflowers and rhododendrons blooming everywhere you look. Spring brings cooler days perfect for exploring and with the added advantage that it’s too early for the midges which can spoil summer evenings. Spend a night on the Caledonian Sleeper train and end up in places such as Aviemore, or the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Visit ancient lochs and lakes for fishing. Go walking through the acres of open land, and stop off in one of the many rural pubs to warm up if the weather gets a little chilly. If whiskey is your drink of choice, there are many distilleries to tour where you can sample the local whiskeys.
Of course, there are also amazing city breaks to be had in Scotland. Edinburgh and Glasgow are obviously the two main options. They have a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets and plenty of attractions for all the family. Visit the National Museum of Scotland or Camera Obscura in Edinburgh. Or take a walk up Arthur’s Seat for amazing views of the city and out across the coast. Weather dependent obviously! Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow which has been voted the number 1 museum in the city. Visit Falkirk to see the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies. Or head up to Dundee to visit the first V&A museum outside of London.
Take yourself on an adventure around the far North of Scotland. The Scotland 500 is something which is on my wish list. It’s a 500-mile route around the far north of the country, taking in some of the most beautiful coastline and small towns. You can try and complete the whole route, or take your time to explore each stopping point to complete a smaller section of it. Either drive the route stopping off in local hotels and B&Bs along the way. Or if you’re feeling really adventurous hire a camper van so you can stop off wherever you feel like along the way.
Norwegian Fjords
Although you’re not guaranteed sunshine in the Fjords (in fact it can be a little chilly at this time of year), it’s a beautiful time of year to see them. May usually has less rain than the summer months in Norway with some beautiful blue skies contrasting the scenery and mountains. Wildflowers are flourishing and the hiking trails in the area are much quieter than in the height of summer.
Cruising is one way to see the Fjords. With many cruises departing the UK, there is so much choice and a ship for everyone. Larger cruise ships such as MSC, Princess and P&O departing Southampton have everything you need on board for a fun-packed holiday. Think pools, kids’ clubs, arcades, waterparks and tons of entertainment. Smaller ships from Fred Olsen and Ambassador offer cruises from many regional ports including the Port of Tyne. These ships have the advantage of being able to get in a little closer to the fjords than the larger ships and so offer more scenic cruises.
Another way of seeing the fjords is to fly into Norway. Many UK airports offer flights to destinations such as Stavanger or Bergen. You can then pick up a car and drive yourself, or book yourself onto a guided tour. These tours will often take in visits with the Sami people, offer outdoor adventures and give you a real taste of local life. May is the month of festivals in Bergen, so if you can find a few days to spend here it will be worth it!
Visit Hardanger fjord, Norway’s second longest fjord which stretches 179km from the Atlantic Ocean. It goes straight through steep mountains, beautiful waterfalls and fruit orchards. You can explore the fjord via glacier hikes which take in cute little villages and iconic rock formations. During May the many fruit trees on the fjord are blossoming creating a contrast between the snow-capped peaks.
Barbados
The final destination on my list of top places to visit in May is Barbados. If you’re looking for something a little further afield, with a bit more guaranteed sunshine, Barbados could be the perfect May holiday spot for you. The island is famous for its warm seas, soft white sand and rum! May is one of the best times to get away in the year before summer crowds descend on many destinations. The rainy season doesn’t pick up until June so you’re pretty much nailed on for some sunny beach days.
May is considered a shoulder season (basically a period in between two busy seasons) so accommodation prices can often be lower and it’s easier to explore top attractions. There are few school holidays in May (barring the May half-term at the end of the month) which keeps prices steadier throughout the month. Barbados is a typical Caribbean tropical paradise. May is perfect for relaxing on a beach or by the pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea breeze. It’s also one of the best islands in the Caribbean for surfing, especially on its Atlantic facing South and East coasts.
Visit the capital of Bridgetown which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or head to the west coast and stay in the trendy Holetown which boasts some of the best food on the island. During May Barbados holds its annual Celtic Festival which celebrates its ties to Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Expect to find ceilidhs and concerts to join in with. Or sample some fusion food combining Celtic and Caribbean flavours.
Top Places to Visit in May round-up
Although these are my top places to visit in May, there are of course many other destinations to consider if you’re looking to beat the summer crowds. Any of the Greek Islands, Turkey, Spain, The Caribbean, and Dubai, to name just a few. May is a good month to get away if you’re able to as it’s considered a shoulder season in many destinations. That means it sits between the peak periods of winter sun and summer holidays. You can enjoy a destination without the firey hot sun of the summer months and with few crowds. If truly exploring a new place is on your wishlist, consider booking your next holiday during May!
If you want to organise your own last-minute May getaway or get organised for next May, just get in touch with your requirements and I’ll send some ideas over to you. Here’s how to reach me…
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Happy travel planning. Michelle x
