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Enjoy a dose of spring sunshine in our top holiday picks for Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey
Spring is in the air in the UK , with blossom, bulbs and bees making their presence felt in recent weeks as the weather has warmed up.
But while the temperature is steadily rising, it’s safe to say that British weather can be unpredictable – so we can’t guarantee any scorching hot days very soon.
For wall-to-wall sunshine in May then, your best bet is a trip abroad – many parts of Europe offer hot weather from this month onwards.
Whether you fancy a city break or sun lounger escapism, there are plenty of places to peruse.
The hottest temperatures recorded on the continent throughout May are typically seen in Mediterranean countries such as Greece , Italy , Spain and Turkey .
With temperatures ranging from 23-27C and up to 11 hours of sunshine a day, a spring getaway to some of these destinations is an appealing prospect.
From Gozo and Seville to Thessaloniki and Bodrum , we’ve rounded up the spring holiday destinations you wouldn’t expect.
Keep scrolling for some hot weather travel inspiration for May.
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Read more: The best holidays to book for May 2025
Best holiday destinations for hot weather in May
The five-star Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz has acres of gardens with no less than five different swimming pools.
The hotel is suitably grand, with elegant facades and a selection of stylishly decorated rooms to add to its three different restaurant offerings, which serve up some serious fine dining treats.
Read more: The best Malta holidays for 2025 and where to stay
Travel to Seville and soak up eight hours of sunshine a day in May, while enjoying an average temperature of 26C.
The Andalusian capital boasts an array of architecture ranging from modern buildings to historic monuments – visit Unesco World Heritage Site Seville Cathedral , a gothic 16th-century building dating back to Moorish times.
Meanwhile, the city’s Alcázar Palace is an 18th-century crowd-pleaser where guided tours are available.
Tuck into cheap tapas and visit El Rinconcillo , the oldest bar in Seville, and swing by the Museum of Fine Arts , which hosts paintings from the 12th-18th centuries and also has a courtyard for catching some rays.
Head to the Alameda neighbourhood if you fancy doing some shopping, while nearby Triana has a food market.
Built around three cobbled courtyards Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza is about 10 minutes’ walk from Las Setas, a wooden structure in Seville’s old quarter.
Room features include turquoise windows, iron beds and esparto grass blinds with cosy sitting rooms, a rooftop pool and cod croquettes served in the candlelit patio.
Read more: The best things to do in Seville
Thessaloniki reaches a tempting 25C in May, and there are around eight hours of daily sunshine.
If you’re seeking sea views and a cultural city break, this is the place to visit.
The White Tower of Thessaloniki sits on the seafront and historic sights also include the 4th-century Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, while the Walls of Thessaloniki surround the city and were built during the Middle Ages.
Meanwhile, the Church of St Paul is a modern building, finished in 1987.
Head to main street Egnatia for shops, restaurants and bars – there’s a vibrant nightlife scene.
There are several beaches situated within reach of the city, so you can combine relaxation with seeing the sights.
Read more: The Greece swaps you should make your on next holiday
Turkey’s Bodrum reaches a whopping 27C in May and offers up to 11 hours of sunshine a day.
The peninsula is located on the southwest coast and looks out onto the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, making it an ideal destination for a May beach break.
This pretty port city has picturesque, whitewashed houses and 15th-century Bodrum Castle, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Bodrum is known for its vibrant bars, restaurants and nightlife for those looking to party.
There are smaller coastal villages, such as Yalikavak, Turgutreis and Gumusluk, nearby if you prefer staying somewhere a little quieter.
Kaya Palazzo is a large resort right on the Bodrum coast, just 15 minutes away from Bodrum itself.
The accommodation features a private section of beach and a seasonal outdoor pool, while rooms are elegant and modern.
Read more: Best Turkey holiday destinations and when to travel to each one
The smallest of the Balearic Islands, Formentera is situated to the southeast of Ibiza and is a quieter, less crowded holiday destination.
Temperatures heat up to an amiable 24C in May, and you can also expect to see around nine hours of Spanish sunshine per day.
There are breathtaking beaches and turquoise waters, plus several towns and resorts to explore, including La Savina, Es Migjorn, Cala Saona, Es Pujols and El Pilar de la Mola.
Formentera can be reached by ferry, and it’s worth knowing that vehicle numbers are restricted during the summer to help protect this picturesque isle.
Hotel Es Marès is a family-owned, adults-only haven of understated Formentera-inspired design in the heart of the island capital Sant Francesc, with 15 calming rooms, an intimate pool and a local-rooted restaurant.
Read more: This exclusive Mallorca village is a must-visit spot in the Balearics
Sorrento is a historic Italian town situated on a peninsula, offering visitors a stunning view over to the Bay of Naples .
With average temperatures reaching 26C in May, it’s an ideal time to see the blooming orange blossoms and lemon trees.
Plus, there tend to be fewer visitors in May than during the peak summer months.
Take in the sweeping scenery, comprising rocky coasts and beaches popular for bathing.
Meanwhile, Piazza Tasso is Sorrento’s central square, featuring shops, bars, and restaurants.
Just a five-minute walk away you’ll find Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century Franciscan church.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria occupies an enviable position in Sorrento with spacious, elegant and airy terraced rooms, fully furnished apartments, a Michelin-star restaurant and a large pool between lemon and olive trees in the five acres of gardens.
Read more: Best beach hotels in Sicily for 2025, reviewed
For a room close to the town centre, beachfront hotel Vila Gale Cascais has two outdoor pools, a restaurant and two bars for sipping sundowners.
Read more: Best cities and towns in Portugal to visit 2025
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