Where to go in May

1. Sicily, Italy

Volcanic landscapes, fascinating ancient history, food to die for and fabulous beaches all make Sicily irresistible.

Lose yourself in the buzz of Palermo and Catania, whose street food and markets are all part of the fun, or join the stylish crowd in Taormina as you take in the view from the ancient Greek amphitheatre overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

In Sicily’s baroque south-eastern corner, a road trip starting in Siracusa, with stops through Noto, Modica, and Ragusa is one of the island’s top experiences. If you have a head for heights, hop on the cable car (or hike) to the summit of Mount Etna for an unforgettable experience on the tallest volcano in Europe.

The Aeolian islands are worth a boat tour at the very least, although you’ll want to stop and hike on Stromboli and visit the vineyards of Lipari and Salina. Beach lovers should check out the gorgeous coastal village of Cefalu, or the string of beach resorts around Catania and Taormina.

Don’t miss: The already beautiful city of Noto near Siracusa becomes a riot of colour during the Infiorata, an extraordinary flower festival running from 17-21 May. This year’s theme is in homage to the operas of Puccini, and millions of petals will be used in outlandish displays filling the old town’s streets.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Take one look at Dubrovnik’s walled old town and you’ll instantly see why this Adriatic city is one of Croatia’s biggest honeypots.

A walk around the medieval and Renaissance walls is a must, along with a ride on the cable car to the top of Mount Srđ for sweeping views of the Adriatic coast. A ten-minute boat ride from the old port takes you to the enchanting little island of Lokrum, where only day trips are allowed – plenty of time for a swim, a hike, and a picnic. And, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you can spot filming locations both on Lokrum and around Dubrovnik.

You don’t need to limit yourself to Dubrovnik on a holiday here, either: take a bus (or a more expensive boat) down to the pretty coastal village of Cavtat, or join a boat charter going around the Elaphiti islands of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Don’t miss: The tantalising scent of delicious Dalmatian food will be wafting over Dubrovnik from 5-14 May during the Bavarin street food festival. It takes over the open-air Lazareti cultural centre near Banje Beach, where you can catch cooking workshops by TV chefs as well as a varied programme of musical entertainment.

3. Dominican Republic

The Caribbean’s most popular tourist destination has some of the region’s loveliest beaches, but you’ll discover there’s more to the Dominican Republic than its coastal resorts.

There’s everything from mangrove swamps to alpine mountains to tropical rainforests – and even deserts. When you’re not hunting down the merengue bars in the lively capital, Santo Domingo, you could be looking out for humpback whales off the Samaná Peninsula or hiking in the Cordillera Central mountain range.

It has some of the best windsurfing in the Caribbean, and the kitesurfing and mountain biking are superb too. And when you do want to relax in an all-inclusive resort, head to the holiday resorts in Punta Cana and Bavaro.

Don’t miss: Join the huge party during the Festopia Memorial Day Getaway from 23-28 May, when American visitors come to the island during their Memorial Day holiday. All-inclusive five-star resorts in Punta Cana host five days of parties, DJ sets, entertainment and special excursions during one the Caribbean’s biggest urban festivals.

4. Fuerteventura, Spain

Skip the sunbathing and hire a car to explore Fuerteventura's beautiful interior during your holiday in May.

The weather is pleasant and ideal for hiking at this time of year – temperatures can reach around 24C. Popular hiking routes take you up Pico de la Zarza, Fuerteventura’s highest point, to Calderon Hondo Volcano near the quaint village of Lajares and up Mount Cardon. For an easier walk, try the epic dunes of Corralejo Natural Park.

Betancuria, a pretty town in in the island’s west and Fuerteventura’s first capital, enjoys wonderful views over the barren Parque Rural de Betancuria. Combine a visit with nearby Antigua, known for its numerous windmills and the tastiest museum on the island, the Majorero Cheese Museum.

Don’t miss: The annual Antigua Craft Fair takes place in this small town about 20km (12 miles) inland from Caleta de Fuste. More than 200 craftspeople from all over the Canary Islands set up their stalls and showcase their handcrafted goods. There’s live music over the three days too, adding to the party atmosphere.

5. Istanbul, Turkey

The only city in the world to straddle two continents, Istanbul is one of the most compelling and addictive places to visit.

It’s hard to get enough of the buzzing atmosphere of Beyoglu and its narrow streets of restaurants, jazz bars, and clubs. Cross the Golden Horn’s bridge and you’re in the old town, home of many of Istanbul’s biggest sights, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Set aside plenty of time for a stroll through the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, as well as the riveting subterranean world of Basilica Cistern.

While you’re in the old town, hop on one of the inexpensive commuter ferries that shuttle across the Bosphorus to Uskudar on the Asian side, where you can go for a walk along the river and pay a visit to its excellent food market.

Don’t miss: If you happen to be in Turkey on 19 May, you’ll be able to witness the celebrations of Ataturk Youth and Sports Day. During this public holiday in honour of the founder of modern Turkey, you’ll see parades of young people in the streets singing and performing folk dances.

6. Crete, Greece

Between Crete’s magnificent mountains, beaches, ancient sites, and superior cuisine, it’s tough to narrow down which part of Greece’s largest island to explore.

Starting in the west, you have Chania and Rethymnon, both of which have the White Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. The towns are rich in Venetian architecture as well as lovely beaches, and there’s exhilarating hiking in store in the gorges and canyons of Theriso, Diktamos, and Samaria.

If you head eastwards, you soon arrive in Heraklion, the largest city in Crete and a handy base if you want to dive into the history of the ancient Minoan civilisation. Visit the Palace of Knossos to get a glimpse into Minoan life from 4,000 years ago. Carry on further east towards to reach upmarket Elounda, one of Crete's best resorts, as well as the small towns and villages that line the pretty Mirabello Bay.

Don’t miss: Orthodox Easter falls on 5 May this year, so expect to see people feasting on roast lamb and taking part in egg-cracking contests. Many villages take part in the celebrations of saints Constantine and Helen on 21 May, where everyone gathers to sing and dance – and with plenty of food, of course.

7. Costa Brava, Spain

Although the Costa Brava is home to some of the most popular beach resorts along Spain’s Catalan coast – Lloret de Mar, Blanes, and Tossa de Mar to name a few – there are also plenty of places that live up to the region’s name of 'wild coast'.

Follow the Camino de Ronda footpath that takes the scenic coastal route to the seaside village of Calella de Palafrugell and its beach Platja de Canadell. Discover what inspired Salvador Dali when you visit the artist’s old haunts in the white-painted seaside village of Cadaqués, which also features a museum set in Dali’s former home.

May is one of the most delightful times for a Costa Brava holiday. The air is scented by wild herbs and flowers, and you don’t have the heat and crowds of summer to contend with.

Don’t miss: Girona bursts into colour during the Temps de Flors, when the city becomes an enormous flower festival from 11-19 May. It’s not just millions of blooms that are imaginatively placed around the city, but also outdoor art installations, making walking through the streets a fragrant feast for all the senses.