The Best Places to Travel in May

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!