The Best Places to Visit in May 2024

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Best Places to Visit in May 2024, by Hannah REES.

With spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner, May is the ideal time to travel, as prices are generally lower than in July and August and there are fewer crowds. And although temperatures are starting to warm up, they haven’t yet reached their summer peak.

May is a magical time of year when nature bursts into full bloom, temperatures start to rise, and travelers eagerly anticipate the beginning of the summer season. With longer days and pleasant weather, May offers the perfect opportunity to embark on unforgettable adventures and explore new destinations around the world. Join us as we uncover some of the best places to visit in May, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of spring and create cherished memories to last a lifetime. So whether you’re planning a family holiday or a solo adventure, here are ten of the best places to visit in May 2024!

The Best Places to Visit in May 2024

1. Algarve, Portugal. 

Portugal’s Algarve region is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and is one of the best destinations for enjoying the spring sunshine or spotting dolphins and whales! 

And if you’re not the type to stay on the beach all day, there are plenty of other things to do, as the region has a myriad of charming towns full of historic monuments and pretty footpaths alongside beautiful houses with walls covered in blue tiles – the famous azulejos.

So, where should you go to discover the charm of the Algarve? 

As the capital of the Algarve, Faro immediately springs to mind. It’s a former port city and Roman colony, which means that traces of Moorish rule are still visible in the historic old town surrounded by medieval walls as well as in its beautiful cathedral (Sé de Faro). 

Not far from Faro is Olhão, a bustling fishing town with the largest harbour in the region and home to the fish market (Mercado de Olhão), where local fishermen sell their fresh catch every day. From both destinations, you can take a boat trip to explore the Ria Formosa Park, a network of coastal lagoons, with long stretches of sandy beaches and dunes, all teeming with birdlife.

Not far away is Tavira, the oldest town in the Algarve, situated along the River Gilão. It is one of the Algarve’s most picturesque towns, with a charming historic centre featuring the ruins of ancient castles, churches and traditional houses.

Another popular destination is Albufeira, and if you’re a golfer travelling from Faro, you can stop off at Vale de Lobo or Vilamoura, a resort created in the 1980s with golf courses designed by golf superstar Arnold Palmer. If you prefer surfing, you can stop off at Praia de Falésia, a 6km-long beach with striking red sandstone cliffs. 

Once in Albufeira, take advantage of its beautiful beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores and Praia da Oura. 

If you’re a fan of hiking, you’ll love the Algarve, and the region’s most popular hike is the 6km-long Seven Hanging Valleys trail, which runs along the coastline. You can also explore the Benagil Cave, but bear in mind that you’ll have to swim or kayak there. 

Another stop on your way could be Carvoeiro, a charming town with a sheltered beach and beautiful hiking trails leading to the rocky cliffs. From here you can explore Algar Seco, located just outside Carvoeiro, which is one of the best viewpoints in the Algarve for observing “The Pinnacle”. 

Another good place to stop is Portimão, where you can relax on its beach, Praia da Rocha. 

Lagos, the capital of the Algarve before Faro, is a must when exploring the region and from there you can visit Ponta da Piedade, a natural site just south of Lagos, known for its amazing sea caves, rock formations and turquoise waters. You can take a I hour tour of the grottos with a local guide to discover some of the amazing rock formations in the area.

If you want to head to the south-western tip of continental Europe, check out Cabo de São Vicente. 

A little inland is Silves, the historic capital of the Algarve, where you can visit the Moorish castle of Silves (Castelo de Silves), which was damaged in the 1755 earthquake, and the adjacent Gothic cathedral of Silves (Sé Catedral de Silves). 

2. Munich, Germany. 

Munich, in southern Germany, is the capital of the state of Bavaria and has a population of 1.5 million. While many people think October would be a better time to visit the German city to experience the Oktoberfest event, the crowds make it difficult to appreciate the city, so May is a great alternative to soak up Munich’s vibrant atmosphere. 

Be sure to visit one of the many beer gardens before heading to Munich’s famous Hofbräuhaus to sample Bavarian cuisine, with specialities such as Weisswurst, Sauerbraten, Schweinebraten, Schweinshaxe and Knödels. While you’re eating, you can also listen to traditional Bavarian music, featuring a lively brass band. 

Another of the city’s must-sees is the English Garden, which is one of the largest urban parks in the world and where surfers can ride the Eisbach wave. And if you missed the beer gardens in the city centre, you’ll find a few here in the park to quench your thirst. 

If you’re a fan of architecture, be sure to visit Marienplatz, in the centre of Munich’s Old Town, home to the impressive Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). Try to get there for the Glockenspiel show, which is performed daily on the façade of the Rathaus at 11am, 12pm and 5pm. 

Munich was also the residence of the Bavarian sovereigns during the summer months, and their summer residence was Nymphenburg Palace, one of the largest palaces in Germany. It’s well worth a visit, and you can take a stroll through the magnificent baroque garden. 

If you love art, check out the Pinakotheks (Alte, neue and der Moderne), which boast impressive collections of paintings and works of art. Each of the main Pinakotheks specialises in different periods of art history, and if you can, go on a Sunday, as admission costs just one euro instead of ten. Another must-see for art lovers is the Deutsches Museum, one of the largest science and technology museums in the world.

And for football fans, check out the impressive Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern Munich. 

3. Florence, Italy. 

As the birthplace of Dante, Machiavelli and the European Renaissance, Florence is one of Italy’s most culturally rich cities and a perfect destination for history and art lovers, meriting its spot in the ten best places to visit in May 2024. 

Bear in mind that it’s a small city and walking is the best way to get around, as you can get from one end of the historic centre to the other in just 30 minutes.

In Florence there are some things you absolutely must see, such as the impressive Ponte Vecchio, which spans the Arno river and is the oldest stone bridge in Europe. At the top of the bridge is the Vasari Corridor, a secret passageway built by the Medici family.

Speaking of which, be sure to visit the Boboli Gardens, designed for the Medici family and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to the Buontalenti grotto.

In the centre of the city is the Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio, the Fontana del Nettuno and the Loggia dei Lanzi with its many sculptures. And while there is already so much art outside on the city’s streets, it can’t compare with what’s inside the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most visited art museums, home to Boticcelli’s Birth of Venus.

To avoid queues, you can book a “Skip the Line” ticket.

Architecture buffs should visit the Hospital of the Innocents, Italy’s oldest public institution, which was a children’s orphanage built in the 14th century and a great example of early Renaissance Italian architecture.

The Basilica di San Lorenzo, located behind the Palazzo Pitti, the residence of the rulers of Florence, is also well worth a visit as it is the oldest church in the city. And, of course, you must go to the Piazza del Duomo to see the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo. 

If you want to sample Florentine cuisine, head for the San Lorenzo market and the Mercato Centrale. And don’t forget that Florence is also the birthplace of gelato, so be sure to indulge in this delicious Italian treat. 

4. Memphis, USA. 

The second-largest city in the state of Tennessee after Nashville, Memphis is bursting with music, culture and food. The best way to get around the city is to use the vintage trolley system that crosses the city centre and costs just a dollar per ride.

In Memphis, it’s impossible not to hit Beale Street, the home of the blues and the centre of Memphis nightlife. You can see neon lights illuminating the many bars and restaurants everywhere, and most evenings street performers liven up the place with music. 

A good stop is also Old Dominick’s Distillery for a taste of well-aged whisky and spirits, and you can even take a guided tour of the facilities.

Don’t forget to visit the Orpheum Theatre, the oldest concert hall in Memphis, as well as the famous Sun Studio, the first to record Elvis and where Johnny BB.King and Jerry Lee Lewis launched their careers. Another essential stop is the Stax Museum of Amercian Soul music, which was once the Stax recording studio (Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes recorded there) and which tells the whole story of soul music.

You can’t talk about Memphis without mentioning Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley If you want to feel even closer to the music legend, you can visit the Arcade restaurant, the oldest café in Memphis, founded in 1919, where Elvis is said to have dined on several occasions. 

Another important historical figure attached to Memphis is Martin Luther King, who was assassinated on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel. Today, the hotel is part of the National Civil Rights Museum, which is well worth a visit. 

Elmwood Cemetery, which covers more than 80 acres and is one of the city’s most historic sites, is another must-see. Don’t forget to check out the Crystal Shrine Grotto at Memorial Cemetery, which is a man-made crystal grotto.

In Memphis, you absolutely must see the Pyramid, which defines the city’s skyline. It’s now a Bass Pro shop, but it gives you a great view of the Big River Crossing, which is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the US and the longest crossing of the Mississippi River. Every evening, the Mighty Lights show illuminates the bridge. 

As far as parks go, there’s Mud Island River Park, just across from downtown Memphis, where you can see a number of murals. Then there’s Shelby Farms, a sprawling city park with lakes that host many water sports. 

5. Monterey, USA. 

Nestled along the Californian coast, 2 hours south of San Francisco, Monterey is a charming seaside town. Its most famous attraction is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, often voted the best aquarium in the world. It opened in 1984 and takes advantage of its location on the bay to showcase local marine life. Bear in mind that it can be very busy and attracts over 2 million visitors every year. 

Another stop is Cannery Row, once home to sardine canning factories and now packed with bars and restaurants. 

Another place not to be missed is the original pier used for commercial fishing operations, Old Fisherman’s Wharf. There are many restaurants there, including the famous Old Fisherman’s Grotto, which serves excellent clam chowder, and if you want to take a boat trip, there’s a good chance it will start here. 

Be sure to visit Monterey State Historic Park, home to many historic buildings such as Colton Hall, where the California constitution was written. And take a moment to observe the Moon Tree (a coast redwood grown from a seed transported to the moon). 

The Lower Presidio district is also a must-see. It’s still an active US army base and is therefore closed to the public, but there’s a small museum and a park with great views. 

Monterey itself has many attractions, but the area around the city is also well worth a visit. 

If you can, take half a day to drive along the scenic 17 mile drive to the famous Pebble Beach golf course, stopping at the various viewpoints along the way, such as the Lonely Cyprus or Lover’s Point. 

Twenty minutes south of Montery is Garrapata State Beach with the viewpoint of Painter’s Point.  

Point Lobos, the gateway to the Big Sur coastline, is another stop to see sea lions and seals on the rocks and about an hour’s drive from Monterey is Shark Fin Cove. 

6. Cape Verde. 

Cape Verde is an archipelago located off the north-west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, 600 km west of Senegal and is one of our picks for the best places to visit in May 2024. 

It comprises a group of islands and islets that were uninhabited until they were discovered and colonised by the Portuguese in the 15th century. It has since gained independence (in 1975), but its culture reflects European influences. You’ll see this most clearly in the local cuisine, which features maize (milho) and mandioca, a root vegetable.

And you’re likely to discover Cape Verdean dishes such as Cachupa, a hearty stew that is considered the national dish of Cape Verde, as well as Feijoada, a classic Portuguese stew consisting mainly of black beans and various pieces of pork, which is also eaten in Cape Verde. 

As mentioned earlier, it’s an archipelago of islands renowned for their beauty, vibrant culture and warm, friendly people, so with that in mind, the best way to explore the country is to hop on a boat and explore each of them. 

The largest is Santiago, home to Cape Verde’s capital, Praia. It’s the perfect place for everyone to enjoy, offering a mix of fantastic beaches and charming historic sites, such as the old colonial town of Cidade Velha. 

Sal is also an island not to be missed, known for its stunning beaches and clear, turquoise waters. The island’s best-known beach is Santa Maria, where water sports enthusiasts can enjoy themselves.  The town of Santa Maria itself is full of restaurants and nightlife. While you’re on the island, don’t forget to visit the Pedra de Lume salt mines, located in the crater of an extinct volcano on Sal’s east coast.  

Boa Vista is also famous for its beaches, where you can spot sea turtles. But its jewel is the Viana desert on Boavista, a sort of extension of the Sahara desert.

São Vicente is the best place to discover Cape Verdean music and nightlife, and is home to lively music festivals, art galleries and colonial architecture. Be sure to check out Monte Cara, located to the west of São Vicente, which is a striking rock formation that resembles a human face when viewed from certain angles. A great place to see it is in the town of Mindelo.

If you like active volcanoes, Fogo is the island for you. The island’s volcano is called Pico do Fogo and you can trek up the volcano to see its lunar landscapes and enjoy a panoramic view of the island. You can also visit the many vineyards on the island and taste the world-famous Fogo wine. 

If you prefer wild beauty, Maio is the island for you, as it is quieter than the others and more unspoilt. 

São Nicolau is another island where you can visit Ribeira Brava, the island’s main town and administrative centre, to discover local life and culture. You should also take a look at the Monte Gordo National Park, home to a dormant volcano and numerous hiking trails. You can also head to Carbeirinho to see turtles and dolphins. 

7. Bali, Indonesia.

When you think of perfect holiday destinations, Bali is usually at the top of the list. In the middle of Indonesia, the island of Bali is home to 4.3 million people and is a tropical paradise that has everything you want for the perfect holiday: beautiful white sandy beaches perfect for kayaking or diving, lush jungle, hidden waterfalls, vibrant local culture, delicious food and friendly people. 

The main cost here will be getting there, as life on the island is cheap. The currency is the Indonesian rupiah, and don’t forget to take some cash with you. It is one of the best places to visit in May 2024 as it’s the dry season (April to October). 

Ubud is a great place to explore, as it is the cultural centre of the island. Be sure to visit the sacred monkey forest and the royal palace of Ubud. And for the full Balinese experience, why not spend the night in a Buddhist temple? 

Two hours from Ubud is Jatiluwih, famous for its stunning UNESCO-listed rice terraces which offer visitors a glimpse of traditional Balinese farming practices and breathtaking natural beauty.

Also two hours from Ubud is the town of Kintamani, which serves as a base for hikes to the volcano of Mount Batur (best for watching the sunrise). 

For surfing and a livelier nightlife, head to Kuta, which is packed with beachside bars and clubs. Canggu is another good choice and you can surf at Echo Beach. Uluwatu, on the Bukit Peninsula, is home to Blue Point Beach, which is a surfing hotspot and one of the best places in the world to learn to surf.

But if you’re more interested in a luxury experience, you’ll want to stay at one of Seminyak’s resorts. Nusa Dua is another excellent choice, as there are many luxury resorts and spas.  

And be sure to visit Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic and revered sea temples, located on the island’s south-west coast near the town of Tabanan. 

Other must-see sites include Lake Bratan, Banyumala waterfalls, Tegenungan waterfalls, Tibumana waterfalls and Lavina beach for dolphin watching. And if you can, bring back some Luwak coffee for your family and friends!

8. West Norwegian Fjords, Norway. 

Who would think that Norway would be the ideal destination for a May holiday? It may sound unusual, but rest assured, visiting the breathtaking fjords of Western Norway in spring offers a unique perspective on Norway’s stunning natural landscapes. 

Make sure you visit the iconic areas of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, which you can expect to be surrounded by blooming wildflowers and waterfalls. 

The best way to explore the fjords is by boat and you can embark on scenic cruises through the fjords, witnessing the many charming villages nestling along the shores. 

You can also go kayaking or hiking, admiring breathtaking views such as the Geiranger Skywalk and the impressive beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Admittedly, temperatures can still be cool in May and this may not be the best place to soak up the sun, but the breathtaking scenery is well worth the compromise.  

9. Cappadocia, Turkey. 

Cappadocia is a region near the centre of Turkey. Chances are you’ve already seen it all over Instagram, as its most famous attraction is watching hot air balloons at sunrise. But that’s not all Cappadocia has to offer and May is a wonderful time to visit, as the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, perfect for exploring the unique landscapes and historic sites that Cappadocia is famous for.

Take time to wander around the open-air museums of Göreme, which is a vast outdoor area housing various monasteries, churches and chapels, some of which date back to the fourth century and are adorned with Byzantine frescoes.

Don’t miss out on a visit to Göreme National Park, and don’t forget that there are plenty of fun options for exploring the valleys of Cappadocia – including on camel or horseback. 

The Ihlara Valley is another must-see attraction. At 100 metres deep and 10 km long, it’s a perfect hiking destination with its hidden caves and frescoed churches.

Don’t forget to stop off at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region, where you can wander through the many rooms carved out of the rock. 

Another thing to do is explore the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı to discover the fascinating underground architecture of Cappadocia (there are over 200 underground cities in Cappadocia, built to protect the inhabitants). 

With longer daylight hours, you’ll have plenty of time to hike through the picturesque Rose Valley or the Love Valley, which offer panoramic views of the region and are perfect places to watch the hot-air balloons. Finally, check out Lake Tuz, Turkey’s largest salt lake, which has a distinctive pink colour and is home to a wide variety of birds.

10. Vancouver Island. 

Just across from Vancouver on the other side of the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver Island stretches 460 km from Victoria to Cape Scott. 

May is an excellent time to explore the island’s magnificent coastal landscapes, ranging from rugged shores and sandy beaches to quiet harbours and lush forests. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to engage in activities such as hiking, kayaking and whale watching. 

Victoria, the island’s largest city and British Columbia’s capital, is a must-see. You can explore the city’s historic sites on foot, including the iconic British Columbia Parliament buildings and the stunning Butchart Gardens, where spring flowers are in full bloom. 

Goldstream Provincial Park, just outside Victoria, is ideal for hiking and camping, and you can see the old trestle bridge. 

Other places not to be missed are Cameron Lake and the hole in the wall at Port Alberni. 

If you want to explore a charming fishing village, Port Renfrew is the place for you. 

Shawnigan Lake is also ideal for fishing, swimming and sunbathing and you can check out the Kinsol Trestle.

On the west coast of the island, you have Sombrio and Mystic beach (a beautiful waterfall that flows into the river). For surfing, head to Tofino or Ucluelet – about 4 hours from Victoria by car and at the heart of the island is Strathcona Provincial Park, with Myra Falls and Cream Lake.

Final words on The Best Places to Visit in May 2024

As May unfolds and the world awakens from its winter slumber, there’s no shortage of incredible destinations waiting to be explored. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and set off on a journey to discover the best places to visit in May.

If you need any help planning your trip, then have a look here.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about The Best Places to Visit in May 2024 and you can also have a look more of our travel features.

I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post,

I really appreciate each and every share. You can do this by saving any of the images to your Pinterest board or clicking on one of the icons below the post to share to Twitter, Facebook or Linked’In, and you can also share it by email to just one person (or more) by clicking on the email icon below.

 

With love,

---

Article By Hannah Rees