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May might just our favourite time of year to travel. Springtime is in full bloom, summer is on the horizon and yet you can still take advantage of shoulder season’s lower costs and lesser crowds, and in some cases avoid the increasingly sweltering summers, too. One of Culture Trip’s resident travel experts, Gethin Morgan, has taken a look at some of the best places to visit in May, from renowned destinations in quieter seasons to hidden gems that are yet to be discovered by mass tourism.

Georgia

Historical Landmark

Gergeti Church in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi, Georgia, Caucasus Mountains
Patrick Schneider / Unsplash

I have been banging on about Georgia ever since my first visit and, quite honestly, I’d recommend visiting at any time of year. May, however, is a perfect time to explore this far-flung little nation, nestled amid the towering Caucasus Mountains and alongside the Black Sea, spanning the borders between Europe and Asia. Its epic, expansive landscapes are in full bloom, snow is clearing for those unforgettable Caucasus hikes, and the weather is just right for pleasant sunny days wandering the streets of Tbilisi. The capital is one of the most unique I’ve come across, with a seriously underrated food (and wine) scene, not to mention great cafe culture and a vibrant nightlife scene. Venture beyond for wine tastings in Kakheti – stay at Tsinandali Estate for a truly luxurious time – and discover remarkable historic sites like the ancient city of Mtskheta.

Porto, Portugal

Natural Feature

Dom Luis I bridge and traditional boats on Rio Douro river in Porto, Portugal
Cristian M Balate / Shutterstock

Few cities ooze European cool quite like Portugal‘s second city. I visited in spring a couple of years ago and the vibes here were immaculate. Sunshine has returned but the hordes of river-cruising tourists are yet to come crawling down the Douro, the days have elongated enough for you to enjoy sunset at one of the city’s many spectacular vantage points – Parque das Virtudes is laid-back but it’s hard to beat cold beers at Jardim do Morro – and the friendly, bohemian population line the riverbank restaurants drinking port tonic and sophisticated Douro wines. It’s classic European bliss but with a hint of edge thanks to the young student population, thriving art and music scene, plus a whole host of trendy vintage shops and cool cafes to discover.

North Macedonia

Historical Landmark

Drone view of Matka Canyon. Drone shot of a lake in a canyon in North Macedonia. Rocky green slopes. Transparent water surface of the lake. Mountain trail along the river. Lake in the mountains
Serhii Koval / Shutterstock

The Balkans remain one of the most confusingly underrated regions in Europe. In May you’re spoiled with Mediterranean climates, the epic green landscapes of Central Europe but the wallet-friendly prices of Eastern Europe. Get visiting before the secret gets out. Albania and Montenegro are certainly garnering more and more attention – and rightly so with their wonderful coastlines – but I wanted to shout out North Macedonia. It shares Lake Ohrid with Albania, houses some of the continent’s most uniquely pretty buildings in Tetovo, and the calm waters that carve through the epic crags of Matka Canyon are among the most beautiful I’ve witnessed. Call the capital, Skopje, your base. It’s a lovely, humble city with a fascinating mix of cultural influences and an amazing culinary scene – visit a traditional kafana to dine properly – but also is within easy day-tripping distance of most attraction in North Macedonia.

Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature

Atlas Mountains Morocco
L_B_Photography / Shutterstock
Morocco in the heart of summer is not for the faint hearted, even in the cooler climes of the high-altitude Atlas Mountains. It’s pleasant in winter, but for the best of both worlds shoulder season is king. May offers consistently glorious sunny days that allow you to explore this country’s striking natural beauty without overheating. I adored the quaint charm of the Ourika Valley, where dusty roads wind along shallow streams, connecting tiny Berber villages from valley to valley. Bask in the serenity of a natural soundscape only interrupting by the occasional whining donkey or kids playing in the distance. The more intrepid adventurers may want to challenge their lungs on a high-altitude mountain trek, but gentle walks through the countryside, mesmerising hot-air balloon rides and cooking classes with local families should keep you well entertained.

Sicily, Italy

Architectural Landmark

Scala dei Turchi Stair of the Turks, Sicily Italy, Scala dei Turchi. A rocky cliff on the coast of Realmonte, near Porto Empedocle, southern Sicily, Italy. Europe
fokke baarssen / Shutterstock

With ever-increasing scorch of summer months, I’m increasingly banging the drum for April, May and September when it comes to visiting the southernmost reaches of Europe, like Malta, the Greek Islands and, in this case, Sicily. The weather at this time of year is more than summery enough for beach days and evenings spent dining outdoors, but it also opens you up to the diverse world of things to see and do in Sicily. There are ancient Greek ruins in Taormina and Agrigento, there’s the splendid Baroque architecture and world-renowned chocolate of the Val di Noto, not to mention the amazing vineyards and surreal hiking trails straddling the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales

Natural Feature

Llyn Llydaw Lake In Snowdonia, Wales
Pajor Pawel / Shutterstock

Ok, as a proud Welshman, I’m bias on this one. However, I dare anyone who reads this to visit the land of my fathers, especially the north and especially Eryri National Park, to visit and not instantly fall in love. Fantastical mountain landscapes dotted with serene blue lakes and hidden waterfalls, quaint Welsh-language towns and villages teeming with personality, and easy access to some of the best beaches in the UK – Eryri has the lot. Adventure seekers can get their kicks by zip-lining across a former slate quarry or trampolining inside a literal cave, while families and dog-lovers can still get out and about at a gentler pace on one of the countless walking trails all over the national park. The only time of year I’d avoid in this part of the world is peak school holiday season in the UK, which mostly lies within late July and August. May, therefore, is the ideal time to visit Wales. I’d still pack a light raincoat, though, you’re never far from drizzle here!

About the author

Gethin Morgan has developed an exciting portfolio across a series of roles at Culture Trip. With a keen interest in food and drink, Gethin is also particularly interested in niche or alternative travel which, in his case, usually involves following the Wales national soccer team to Europe's most obscure cities.

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