In May, Europe is perfect for city lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. The continent has shifted from spring to summer, and as the long days and short nights set in, festivities and fiestas are a top priority for Europeans. I love exploring Europe in May because the weather is great and you can find cities that aren’t overly crowded.

Experience the unique ceremony of Beltane (a pagan fire festival welcoming summer) in Edinburgh, or join the religious festivities in Madrid, where San Isidro is glorified with much pomp and plenty of music. The Nordic nations start to see incredibly long days, making Norway and Iceland popular places to visit in May, while the Algarve, Malta, and Cyprus all offer southern European sunshine. 

With so many things to see and do in Europe during this time of year, you might not know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the best places to visit in Europe in May for you. Stick to these fun and unique bucket list destinations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an incredible time exploring this beautiful continent during your late-spring getaway! 

The 15 Best Places to Travel in Europe in May

1. London, United Kingdom

London is one of the most fun destinations to visit in Europe in May. While temperatures might seem mild to you, you’ll love how Londoners are embracing the start of the British summer as they flock to pub beer gardens and public parks (try Hyde Park!) as soon as the first rays of sunshine poke through the clouds.  

Temperatures can hit a high of 18 or even 19 degrees Celsius (they might even crack the 20 degrees Celsius barrier on a particularly hot day), and while this isn’t the south of Spain, the long evenings and unusually large number of Bank Holiday weekends (a type of public holiday) ensure that everyone is outside, rain or shine. 

You can start by ticking off the touristy stuff that London offers in droves. Visit the Tower of London, see Buckingham Palace, and watch the Changing of the Guard (hopefully, you won’t have to worry about the infamous English rain). The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held in May, is a colorful display of floral beauty, while the weather is perfect for a walking tour of London’s best sights. 

Once you’ve seen the top London sights (Westminster, Big Ben, HMS Belfast, the London Eye, Tower Bridge – the list goes on and on!), head on over to Camden or Shoreditch, where you can spend a lazy afternoon and long evening trying craft beers, ales, and cocktails on rooftop bars (we love the Aviary or Queen of Hoxton).  

2. Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia is the south of Spain, and if you’re hoping to enjoy scorching May temperatures, then this popular Spanish region is one of the best European destinations to visit in May. Andalusia’s southern shores are just a short ferry ride away from North Africa, so it should come as no surprise that this is where you’ll find some of the sunniest and most consistent weather in Europe.

At the start of May, temperatures are already above 20 degrees Celsius, and by the end of May, it’s not uncommon to reach highs of 27, 28, or 29 degrees Celsius. We think that’s perfect for a beach holiday, and you can choose from any number of resorts along the Costa del Sol if that’s your style.

But the best thing about Andalusia is planning a vacation that includes beaches, tapas, history, and culture. Start in Seville, the region’s largest city, where temperatures are perfect for a walking tour of the Plaza de Espana. You can experience the solemn joy of a flamenco performance before gorging on endless wine and tapas. 

Next, travel to the famous Pueblo Blancos (White Towns) in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where you can trace a Moorish history that went all the way back to 711 AD. The cooler climes are refreshing, and in Ronda, you can visit a town perched precariously on tall cliffs while learning about the traditions of bullfighting. 

See the glory of the Alhambra in Granada (the last Islamic city in Spain to be reconquered by the Christians) and then finish your trip in Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso that’s home to glorious beaches. 

3. Lake Balaton, Hungary

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 beautiful places to visit.

Budapest can be visited any time of the year, though, and we recommend escaping the crowds with a trip to Lake Balaton. This long freshwater lake has 120 miles of shoreline, and this is where Hungarians go when the sun is shining. 

In May, you’ll welcome the cold waters of Lake Balaton as temperatures reach above 20 degrees Celsius. If that’s not quite warm enough for you to enjoy a swim, then don’t worry because Lake Balaton has been an iconic spa destination since antiquity. The Romans loved the region’s thermal waters, and you can enjoy them too with a session at Heviz Spa.

Base yourself in a lakefront town like Siofok or Balatonfured, and you can hike, bike, or boat your way around the lake. Visit vineyards, Szigelet Castle, Tihany Abbey, and Festetics Castle before heading back to Budapest, suitably refreshed after a weekend (or why not a week?) at Lake Balaton. 

4. Prague, Czechia

Prague is one of Central Europe’s most popular destinations and one of the best places to visit in Europe in May. You’ll not only beat the summer crowds (although we’ll be honest, Prague can feel busy any time of the year), but with daytime temperatures averaging around 18 degrees Celsius, it’s walking tour weather.

Join a Free Walking Tour of Prague, and you only pay what you feel the tour was worth at the end. The guides are super motivated to show you the best of Prague, and you’ll delve into local history and culture as you explore iconic sights like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the famous Astronomical Clock. 

Join a food tour and you can eat your way around Prague’s best goulash spots, trying chimney cakes along the way, while a beer tour needs little introduction in Czechia’s capital city (this city was made for drinking!). 

May is the start of Prague’s long festival season, with the Prague Spring Music Festival and the Czech Beer Festival being top of the agenda. May 1st is also the date of a unique Czech tradition, which sees lovers hiking up Petrin Hill to kiss under the newly blossomed summer flowers. 

5. Cyprus

Cyprus is a classic Mediterranean destination, and with temperatures reaching highs of 27 degrees Celsius, May is a great time for a beach vacation. Check into a seafront resort in Larnaca, Limassol, or Paphos, and you can score great deals as Cyprus gears up for the summer crowds that don’t arrive until June. 

Spend the month of May lounging around the hotel’s swimming pool, gorging on halloumi and gyros, and enjoying the best Mediterranean wines out there. If you love your nightlife, then head over to Ayia Napa, where the bars and clubs are getting into their rowdy, full swing. 

But Cyprus has much to offer the intrepid traveler too. With a human history dating back to 10,000 BC, you can explore Mycenaean, Greek, and Roman ruins across the Med’s third-largest island. Visit the ancient ruins of Kourion, the Tomb of the Kings, or Paphos Castle in the morning, then spend your afternoon lazing on the beach. 

In Nicosia, the Cypriot capital, you can learn about more recent history. Cyprus is divided in two between Turks and Greeks, and you can see the lasting divides that separate the two sides in Nicosia. Things have calmed down a lot in recent years, though, and you can safely cross the border to Turkish Cyprus, where you can visit Crusader Castles, isolated peninsulas that are home to wild donkeys, and ancient sites like the Ruins of Salamis. 

6. Bergen, Norway

If you’re craving sunlight after a long winter, there’s no better place to be than Norway. The Nordic nation is a land of extremes, and as they ease into the month of May, they’re shaking off short dark days and replacing them with extended hours of daylight.

You can expect as many as 17 hours of sun in May, with even more daylight hours as you head toward the summer solstice in June and travel further north. Norwegians embrace it alongside their passionate love of the great outdoors, and this is the perfect time for hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, and so much more, all over Norway. 

We recommend visiting Bergen, one of the oldest cities in Norway. Surrounded by seven mountain peaks, Bergen is your gateway to the western fjords. Search for legends of trolls in the forests, enjoy the freshest cod straight off the boats and in the city’s famous fish market, or explore an artistic legacy at the Kode galleries, which is home to Edvard Munch paintings.

Of course, as the summer season begins, you have to jump on a Hurtigruten ferry or take the iconic Flam Railway into the fjords. Make your way north from Bergen, then travel to Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway.

7. Iceland

Like Norway, Iceland is one of the best destinations to visit in Europe in May if you’re craving a bit of Vitamin D. After a long winter and a short spring, Icelanders are gearing up for several months of sunshine in a land where the sun rarely sets throughout summer.

Forget about seeing ice (unless, of course, you visit the Vatnajokull Glacier or the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon!), but do embrace the long days and warm climes as you average huge hours of daylight. We love it because it means there’s more time to explore!

Whether you enjoy hopping from one museum to the next in Reykjavik (our favorites include the Whales of Iceland, the Settlement Exhibition, and who could forget the Icelandic Phallological Museum?) or touring through the Golden Circle, you’ll have an incredible time getting to grips with the best sights in Iceland. 

While a quick trip is just great, May is also the first month when the improved weather really allows you to road trip Iceland’s epic Ring Road. Rent a car and hit Route 1, stopping off at black sand beaches, volcanoes, islands teeming with puffins, whale-watching hotspots like Husavik, and natural hot springs like Myvatn Nature Baths. 

8. The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most beautiful holiday destinations, and May might just be the best time to visit. This is the most southerly region of Portugal, and the Algarve is known for its sun-drenched beaches and resorts, its dramatic sea cliffs and coastal walks, and its fresh seafood and relaxed tavernas.

In May, temperatures sit in the mid-20s (degrees Celsius), but the beaches are often cooled by the Atlantic winds that sweep over the coastline. Fly into Faro, and book yourself a beachfront hotel or apartment if you’re looking to relax. Praia da Luz is perfect for a laid-back vacation in a small, former fishing community that’s now turned to tourism, while larger Lagos is known for its old walled town and modern marina. 

Temperatures are optimal for hiking in May, and we recommend hitting the trails. Start with the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a four-mile walking route from Praia de Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centianes, then upgrade to the Fishermen’s Trail, an epic 143-mile, 12-day trek along the coast from Porto Covo to Lagos! 

9. Madrid, Spain

Madrid enjoys (relatively) cool temperatures in the low 20s (degrees Celsius) in May, a welcome respite before the scorching summer weather arrives in June and July. That’s just wonderful if you love to walk because you’ll love exploring famous sights like Retiro Park, the Plaza Mayor, and Mercado de San Miguel on foot (why not join a free walking tour?).

But Madrid is a fantastic destination any time of the year, and the real reason to visit the Spanish capital in May is to join the festivities celebrating San Isidro, the city’s patron saint. The San Isidro Fiesta is the most important annual festival in Madrid, with a public holiday on May 15th and a packed schedule of public events in the weeks on either side. 

San Isidro (who was also known as Isidore the Laborer) was a Madrid local who lived around the 11th century. Hundreds of miracles have been attributed to the saint, who is still remembered almost a thousand years after he lived and died. During the fiesta, locals dress up in traditional clothes, concerts are held in squares and parks, and religious ceremonies take place in churches. 

10. Malta

Malta is sunny at the worst times, but in May, you can expect this little Mediterranean island to be drenched in sunshine, with temperatures hitting highs of 24 degrees Celsius toward the end of the month.

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. 

These are some of the oldest man-made structures ever discovered, but Malta has a more recent history to see in the Three Cities, too, where you can learn how the Knights of St. John withstood Ottoman sieges in the 16th century. Malta fell into French and then British hands, and at the National War Museum Fort St. Elmo, you can delve into the island’s World War II history and learn how the Maltese and British forces withstood German and Italian onslaughts for almost two years.

But Malta isn’t just for history lovers. Stay in St. Julians, and you can enjoy beach resorts, nightlife, and even casinos, while Maltese cuisine – an unusual mix of British, Italian, French, Middle Eastern, and Maltese influences – is divine. Enjoy the natural beauty of Comino and the Blue Lagoon, snorkel the Mediterranean, dive down to shipwrecks, and enjoy one of the best island getaways in the Mediterranean.

11. Sofia, Bulgaria

Are you wondering where to go in Europe in May that’s off the well-trodden path? Then why not book a flight to Sofia? The Bulgarian capital sees temperatures climb to 20 degrees Celsius in May, but despite the warm weather, the city sees just a fraction of the number of tourists the big names, like Prague and Budapest, do. 

Visiting Sofia feels almost as if you’re visiting another world, too. Orthodox Cathedrals, with their resplendent round domes and golden interior, rise above the city’s communist-era apartment blocks, while you’ll need to get to grips with the Cyrillic alphabet to make your travels easier.

Visit the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Museum of History, the National Museum of Archaeology, the National Palace of Culture, and so many more fascinating sights. Then dig into a Bulgarian-style kebab or a Shopska salad, and wash it down with a shot of homemade rakia!

12. Slovenia

Little-known Slovenia is fast becoming one of Europe’s best outdoor destinations, and it’s a brilliant choice for anyone looking for one of the best places to travel in Europe in May – especially if you’re in the mood for an active vacation!

The best thing about Slovenia is that there really is a place for travelers of all levels of fitness. If you’re in extreme shape, then tackle the ultra-marathons in the soaring Julian Alps or attempt the long climb to the summit of Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia at 2,864 meters. 

If you love a quick getaway, then Ljubljana is home to wonderful museums (including the National Museum of Contemporary History), art galleries (visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova), and medieval castles, all of which can be explored on a walking tour. 

Then there’s Lake Bled, where you can enjoy an easy 4-mile walk, followed by a famous slice of Bled Cake. You can hike multi-day trails around Lake Bohinj or cycle your way (on an e-bike, to make things easier) through the vineyards and farmyards of the Soca Valley.

13. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia‘s Dalmatian Coast is a fantastic choice for sun-seekers, with mile upon mile of blisteringly beautiful coastline stretching from the Istrian Peninsula south to the walled city of Dubrovnik.

Croatia’s coastline, with its turquoise bays, rugged islands, and hot, Mediterranean climate, has been transformed into one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations in recent years. When you’re enjoying a glass of Croatian wine and a plate of sizzling prawns on the terrace of your beachfront hotel, you’ll understand why, but luckily, May is the quieter prelude to the coming peak season.

If you love mixing history and beaches, head to Split, where you can walk through the ruins of Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace before sailing to remote vineyards on Hvar or Brac. In Zadar, you can hear the Sea Organ play its melodies, and in Dubrovnik, you can explore the cobbled streets and towering fortifications built by the Venetians. 

14. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in Europe in May, especially if you’re fascinated by Scotland’s Gaelic past. May 1st is a gloriously eccentric time to be in Edinburgh because this is when many of the city’s inhabitants celebrate the revived tradition of Beltane. 

Beltane is the age-old celebration of May Day, when farmers would bring their livestock down to summer pastures and when people would welcome the start of summer with pageantry, fire, and festivities. Beltane was brought back in the 1980s, and Edinburgh’s festival on Calton Hill – expect pagan costumes, music, and lots of fire – now attracts tens of thousands every year.

But Edinburgh has much more to offer, including the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Greyfriars Kirkyard. If the rain holds off, which we can never promise in Scotland, then you can join Harry Potter-themed walking tours and hike to Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano above the city). If it doesn’t, then a wee dram at The Scotch Whisky Experience never goes amiss.

15. Transylvania, Romania

Thanks to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Transylvania will forever be associated with vampires, but give this often misrepresented Romanian region a visit, and you’ll find yourself in one of Europe’s most up-and-coming destinations.

And you can start by getting the cliches out of the way. Stoker loosely based Dracula’s exploits on the bloody, real-life tales of Vlad the Impaler, a Romanian national hero who fought the Ottomans in the 15th century. Locals claim that Bran Castle, near Brasov, was the setting for Dracula, although Stoker never visited. 

Transylvania is much more than its fictional characters, though. The region is home to Cluj-Napoca, the second-largest city in Romania, while the Carpathian Mountains are gorgeous in May. Visit Corvin Castle, the Turda Salt Mine, and drive the Transfagarasan Highway, one of the most spectacular road trips in Europe! 

There you have it! The 15 best places to visit in Europe in May. What’s your favorite European destination to visit in the late spring?

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