11 Best Destinations to Visit in May Around the World

The Ideal May Getaway Destinations Around the Globe

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Also referred to as the town of tulips, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. The best time to visit Amsterdam is early May to see the stunning blooming nature. These gorgeous tulip fields breathe life into the country and are an international tourist attraction. Plan a visit to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Anne Frank House. Any area that suits your tastes and alternatives.

The Dutch countryside is best when explored by bicycle. You can enjoy the true charm of the natural beauty of the Dutch countryside by renting a bike for you and your partner. Amsterdam is famous for its canals. You can cruise along the canal while enjoying a stroopwafel. 

Amsterdam is famous for its canal houses. You can also book one of the canal houses for a more private stay. Waldorf Astoria is a luxury accommodation option in the heart of Amsterdam, providing world-class amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible; Hotel Estheréa is a trendy residential solution. 

2. Santorini, Greece 

Santorini is famous for its pristine white houses and churches with cobalt blue domes. This regal color aesthetic is complemented by the golden May sunshine basking the place in a mesmerizing glow. 

Santorini is famous for its Caldera Rim. It is a perfect spot for those who want to capture the beauty of nature through their camera. The Caldera Rim gives picturesque views of the island. For true history fanatics, the ruins of Akrotiri are a great spot to visit. The remnants visible here are from the significant Minoan civilization, which was engulfed by a volcanic explosion.

When in Santorini, visiting the charming village of Oia is a must. You can sample some exceptionally delicious dishes from the Greek Cuisine. Don’t forget to try the famous Cretan Dako Salad and Tomatokeftedes, which are tomato fritters. Santorini is renowned for its delightful seafood cuisine. 

The island boasts numerous upscale lodging choices, reflecting its status as a high-end vacation spot. You can choose Katikies Santorini or Canaves Oia Epitome to make your stay special. The island city hosts a wide range of cave and stunning boutique hotels that provide comfort and luxury at every step. 

3. Cinque Terre, Italy 

May is the perfect time to travel to Europe as the early summer sunshine promises sunny days and clear skies with moderate temperatures. Cinque Terre is a chain of five charming, quaint villages located along the coastline of the Ligurian Sea. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso al Mare, and Vernazza These villages are dramatically on cliffs and hillsides. Cinque Terre is famous for its traffic-free, pollution-free, and serene environment.

You can explore the Cinque Terre on foot. But it is also accessible by train. You can keep busy by learning to make pasta the traditional way or the world-famous Tiramisu. Fegina Beach and Vernazza Beach are ideal for beach lovers. 

 Ca’D’Andrean, Hotel Suisse Bellevue, and Palazzo Vannoni are some residential options you can utilize and pre-book to make your holiday hassle-free. You can find anything from a self-cater apartment to a luxury hotel in Cinque Terre. 

4. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a hidden gem of Morocco. If you want to escape the chilly weather and explore the sandy beauty of the Middle East, Marrakech is your place to be. It has an antique charm that gives it a unique vibe. May is the best time to explore this Middle Eastern gem. 

You can visit the souks and bargain with the shopkeepers to buy your favorite souvenirs at your desired prices. These shops are in Djemaa el-Fna Square, where you will find some of the most delicious Moroccan street food. Try a delightful tagine, couscous, or Moroccan spiced tea to satiate your hunger after exploring the souks. 

Koutoubia Mosque is famous for its exquisite Moroccan tile work. Go to Moroccan Bathhouse (Hammam) and pamper yourself how you deserve it. Dress in traditional Moroccan attire and head to the Agafay Desert to ride a camel into the sunset and enjoy a live conventional music show followed by dinner. 

Hotel Palais Al Bahja can be chosen as your accommodation while staying in Marrakech for a budget-friendly stay. However, Nomadz Palace provides breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and is a good choice if you want to go all out on luxury and comfort. 

Related: Best Places to Travel in November 

5. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents, Asia and Europe. It serves as the crossroads between the two continents. Recently, Istanbul has become the main stopover for most flights across the globe. Istanbul is situated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  

Istanbul has many well-known tourist attractions, such as the Grand Bazaar, which dates back almost thousands of years. From Gemstones to Traditional attires to handcrafted silverware, dried fruits, perfumes, pickles and sauces, spices, and anything you want to buy, you will find it here. It is the best place for your ultimate retail therapy. 

Check the Topkapi Palace Museum, “The residence of Ottoman sultans.” You can get an insight into the lifestyles of the Ottoman rulers. The Museum has artifacts from the Ottoman era that tell you about their reign, which lasted almost 500 years. 

May is the time of the year when the city is in a joyous mood with colorful Tulips all around. You can visit Gulhane Park or Sultan Ahmet Mosque to take the most memorable pictures with your partner.

Walk along the coast and enjoy simit (bagel-like sweet bread). You may have a few bird guests with whom to share your bread! You can also enjoy the magnolias in the Ihlamur Pavilion in Istanbul. It’s quite an enchanting place in May. 

Stay at the Lionel Hotel Istanbul or DoubleTree by Hilton. These hotels provide world-class amenities and scenic views of the Marmara Sea. 

6. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

May is the beginning of the most beautiful time of the year, so let’s head over to beautiful Australia. “The Great Barrier Reef” refers to the largest coral reef system in the world. And one of the world’s seven natural wonders. For those who love marine life, it’s a great chance to go snorkeling or scuba diving and look at the marvelous life underwater. Don’t forget to take a waterproof camera with you. So you can capture the best moments. 

If you want you can also take a helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about conservation efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef from climate change.

You can live in a boat or find accommodation in the towns near the Great Barrier Reef. You can check out rooms at Gilligan’s Hotel and Resort or Forest Beach Hotel for budget accommodation. 

7. Zanzibar, Tanzania  

Zanzibar, the cradle of Swahili culture, is one of the most beautiful islands in Tanzania and Africa. May is the off-peak season for tourists, so those wanting to enjoy solitude can take this time to visit and enjoy the African Island’s beauty. 

Zanzibar is known for Stone Town, a World Heritage Site renowned for its mixed cultural heritage of Persian, Indian, British, and Muslim architecture. 

Make sure to visit the Princess Salme Museum or House of Wonders, which transports you back to the era of dhow constructions to slave markets. Zanzibar is also known for its spices. Spices like cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, etc, are abundant in Zanzibar. 

You can take spice cooking classes to learn how to cook with herbs and infuse the beautiful blend to treat your taste buds. Snorkel around the reefs or enjoy a candlelit beach dinner with your partner. Enjoy a night in the underwater bedroom or a private dhow cruise. 

You can choose a Baobab Treehouse, a gorgeous beach villa, or a luxury lodge in one of the islands of the Tanzanian archipelago as a residential option. The best beach resorts can be found in Pemba and Mafia Islands. Keep in mind that accommodations need to be booked before avoiding any inconvenience. 

8. Krabi, Thailand 

Krabi is home to white sandy beaches, small caves, and beautiful off-shore islands. It is located on the west coast to the south of Thailand. The best time to visit Thailand is early May. Take a boat to Railay Beach and spend time climbing the rocky cliffs. It is excellent for seasoned hikers. 

Klong Thom has hot springs, which are the most popular attractions. People visit them for healing and rejuvenation purposes. The water contains natural minerals that are good for healing your skin. The hot springs iron out the kinks in your body and kill your fatigue. 

If you’re an adventure lover, try Bungee jumping from the highest point in Thailand and the 5th highest point in Asia.

Discover the historic caves at Khao Khanap Nam. They are caves with stalactites, human skeletons, and stalagmites that are not for the faint-hearted. Try canoeing, snorkeling, fishing, and speedboat tours to explore the water activities. 

Munch on some delicious local cuisine at Koh Lanta Yai. Get delightful sushi rolls, barbequed chicken skewers, chocolate-covered strawberries, and Pad Thai. Check out Centara Ao Nang Resort and Spa Krabi, which provides a beachfront luxury resort with majestic beach views. It is ideal for people who like private stays. 

9. Hokkaido, Japan

 Hokkaido is located to the north of Honshu Island. It is known for its icy ski slopes, volcanoes, picturesque landscapes, and wildlife. You can reach Hokkaido by train ride from Tokyo. Summertime turns the Furano  meadows into a fairytale scene. Furano is also home to soothing lavender fields that relax and rejuvenate your senses. 

May is the best time to take in these beautiful gifts of nature. More than 2500 miles of natural trail are knitted with lakes, volcanoes, glaciers, and forests, making a summertime hike pleasant. 

Set on the canvas of Mount Yotei, sibling to Mt Fuji, are some of the most significant ski slopes in the world that you can find only in Japan. If you’re a nature lover, visit the Shiretoko National Park, where you can spot the Sika deer, a brown bear, and red foxes. 

If you’re in Japan, do not miss the traditional Japanese sake. Learn how sake is made in a distillery. You can visit the Tanake Distillery, which has produced sake for generations. Learn about the sake production process while helping the Toji (brewer) with an educational and immersive experience. 

Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns you can stay in to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. You can opt to stay at Alpine Guesthouse or The Vale Rusutsu for your accommodation options.

Related: What to Wear in Japan in Spring 

10. Komodo Island, Indonesia

Komodo Island is a wonder waiting to be discovered by you! It is located near Labuan Bajo. It is one of the three islands in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago. 

Komodo Island is a short one-hour flight away from Bali. It is famous for its Komodo dragons, prehistoric natives, and the pink beach. It may help you avoid the heaviest summertime crowds in these places, which are jam-packed throughout the summer. 

Take a dip under the pristine waters of the beach and experience the amazing marine life. Be ready to be amazed by the Manta rays that can be seen eating different plankton. The Manta rays are so broad they can grow up to 7 meters and are very friendly with people.  

Explore the Patai Merah, also known as the pink beach. It is one of the seven unique beaches in the world and is picturesque. The pink color of the sand comes from the red corals that reside in the white sand, creating the ideal fairytale-like scene. 

Head to Rinca Island, where you can see the world’s largest lizards, the Komodo dragons that kill their prey and eat them after rotting. The Komodo dragons are deadly for humans. Therefore, I advise you to visit the place under the supervision of a tour guide. 

Enjoy some delicious meals at La Cucina, a pizza place serving pizzas worth a try, or Happy Banana, which serves the best vegan sushi and poke bowls in Labuan Bajo. There are some very good options to stay at the Blue Ocean Hotel or Elang Bamboo villas, with your private sun loungers and a perfect open-air room with a beautiful sea view. 

 11. Lisbon, Portugal 

The Portuguese capital of Lisbon is home to vibrant culture, historical places, and picturesque views. May is one of the best times to visit Lisbon, with the perfect temperature to enjoy the city views—Celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May in Lisbon with some delicious brunch. Even if you’re not with your mother, you can still enjoy brunch at one of the gorgeous cafes in town, such as O Ninho Cafe, Dear Breakfast Cafe, or Brunch Cafe. 

Visit the Sao Jorge Castle to explore the history of Lisbon in Moorish and medieval times. Explore the Se Cathedral and the Cathedral Bell Tower to get an insight into the city’s past. If you’re a film fanatic, you must attend the IndieLisboa Film Festival in May. Some more than 300 films are screened and attract more than 40000 spectators annually. 

Buy a Lisbon City Pass to enjoy hop-on-hop-off bus tours. You can enjoy sightseeing around the city at a much better price than usual. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a Gothic monastery located in Belem. It is one of the city’s historic districts. You can also marvel at the artworks at the National Tile Museum. 

Choose Holiday Inn Express Lisbon or Turim Boulevard Hotel for a premium, luxurious stay with world-class amenities at your fingertips. Hotel Roma, located in the Alvalade district, is in a central position near theatres, restaurants, cinemas, and transport stations. 

Related: Travel Outfit Ideas 

Conclusion: 

Treat yourself to the best of the world’s spectacular destinations in May. This ultimate guide by MyTrekTopia covers the 11 best destinations to visit in May. Get ready to leave your worries behind, pack your suitcase, and let’s travel around the world to have the best time of our lives. You only live once, so make the most of it and make the best memories with your loved ones. 

FAQs

1. What are the top destinations to visit in May?

Ans. Top May travel destinations include Amsterdam for its tulips. The Cinque Terre, Italy, coastal beauty without the summer crowds, and the Komodo Islands, Indonesia, for unparalleled marine life viewing opportunities.

2. Why is May an ideal time for travel?

 Ans. May is perfect due to favorable weather, lower prices, and fewer tourists compared to peak summer months, making it perfect for exploring and enjoying outdoor activities in comfort.

3. What should travelers keep in mind when planning a May trip?

Ans. Travelers should check the weather and local events to pack and plan appropriately. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is advised to avoid higher costs and ensure availability.