With so many destinations to choose from and temperatures climbing, May is the perfect time to jet off and beat the summer rush. Whether it’s Turkey, Greece, Spain, the Canary Islands, Cyprus or the Balearics, find out more about what you could be getting up to this May.

Antalya, Turkey

Located in Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region and known for its stunning coast and blue waters, Antalya is perfect for sun-chasers as temperatures hit 25˚C in May. Antalya boasts a 400-mile sweep of fine sand and crystal-clear-water beaches and is perfect for those planning on jet setting for a relaxing break. Turkey is known for its scorching summers too making it even more popular. Why not visit while it’s warm (but not too hot!) but also beat the crowds, giving you ample opportunity to explore?

Crete, Greece

If you love to mix it up with half of your holiday set for relaxation but also love to explore the history, Crete could be perfect for you in May. It's the largest of the Greek islands and the Queen of the Heraklion Sea, with more than enough to discover. Take a stroll through Rethmynon Old Town or if you’re chasing even more history, why not visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum? If you’re visiting with children, May is a great time to visit the Aquaworld Aquarium in Hersonissos, with temperatures averaging a pleasant 24˚C – the weather is perfect for a day out with the kids.

Dalaman, Turkey

Another destination where the temperature hops up to 24C in May is Dalaman, in southwestern Turkey. With warm weather perfect for spending time outdoors and nature showing off its freshest hues with blooming flowers, it's a postcard-perfect paradise waiting to be explored. Be sure to visit the Blue Lagoon, one of the most popular spots in the area, and get a scenic shot without crowds photobombing it! Beach days are always on the cards here too if a flop-and-drop kind of day is needed. History lovers can embark on a boat journey towards the ancient Lycian Tombs – all without breaking a sweat! And with quirky festivals and events sprinkled throughout Dalaman’s calendar, there's always something happening here!

Rhodes, Greece

Similar to Crete, Rhodes boasts an average temperature of 24˚C in May. It gives holiday-goers plenty of opportunity to indulge in the glowing Greek sun, while maintaining a bit of a breeze to keep you cool while exploring the island. Rhodes is known for its preservation of historical ruins, which allow tourists to take in the ancient history of its island. Rhodes is also famous for its well-known Old Town, a key tourist attraction illustrating Rhodes’ traditions through fountains, churches and medieval architecture.

Fuerteventura, Canaries

The beach capital of the Canaries, Fuerteventura, goes all out to impress its visitors in May. Temperature? A toasty 24C. Sandy shores? Long and footprint-free. Water sports? Just try and pick one! Start your holiday by ticking off the musts – walk the impressive Corralejo Sand Dunes and laze on the sun-baked sands of Costa Calma. When you’re ready for a dose of adrenaline, grab a surfboard and ride the waves at Playa del Viejo Rey, the surf capital of the island. Dull moments don’t exist in Fuerteventura!

Larnaca Area, Cyprus

The Cypriot sun rarely rests with temperatures as high as 26˚C in May, a cooler climate than the usual thirties in summer. The city of Larnaca is on the southern coast of Cyprus with multiple historical landmarks to discover. May is a great time to visit with the weather in the tempting twenties avoiding the busy summer peak for tourism. Why not visit the Church of Saint Lazarus? This iconic 9th-century church is an amazing showcase of the original architecture. Alternatively, you could take a day trip to the Larnaca Salt Lake, boasting beautiful scenes with various water birds and shrines.

Majorca, Balearics

Perfect for family holidays, the Balearics stay warm nearly all year round. With waterparks, white-sand beaches and various all-inclusive hotels, Majorca is also a great place for couples looking for a chance to unwind. As an extremely popular holiday destination for summer, May is the perfect opportunity to beat the crowds at the beaches and avoid the exhausting temperatures on family days out.

Tenerife, Canaries

Similar to the Balearics, the Canary Islands host a warm climate all year round. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and is famous for being the home one of the most renowned waterparks in Europe, Siam Park. With a cooler climate and smaller queues compared to the peak of summer, May is the perfect time to visit the waterpark without needing sea shoes or flip flops at all times, yes, the floor really can get that hot! After exploring the island, why not treat yourself to all Tenerife has to offer with a stretch of white-sand beaches to kick your feet up and relax?

Ibiza, Balearics

Start summer early with a trip to the White Isle. In May, the Balearics enjoy balmy weather, so you can be assured that days on the sand are firmly on the cards. If you’re after a go-slow getaway, make a beeline for Santa Eulalia, where the waters are warm and the beaches are slightly quieter. Fancy a taste of the island’s world-renowned nightlife? San Antonio’s your best bet. Plus, in May, you can catch plenty of Ibiza’s opening parties here.

Corfu, Greece

Get a Greek getaway in the diary for May and you could be enjoying sun-kissed sands while the rest of the UK is drenched in drizzle. Corfu’s awash with natural beauty, meaning it’s all set for outdoor adventures. There’s heaps of history too – Corfu Old Town is a must. Head here for the first day of the month and you’ll be greeted by celebrations for the island’s annual Labour Day, Protomagia. Expect doors adorned in flowery wreaths, parades and plenty of food and drink.

The Costa Blanca, Spain

Spain’s ‘White Coast’ gets more than 300 days of sunshine annually, so it’s no wonder that it’s a hit with holidaymakers even outside the summer months! May in the Costa Blanca brings the temperature bar up to the balmy mid-20s, so beach days are a go. Golden sands span over 200km, so there’s enough space for everyone’s towel! Beyond the beaches, there’s plenty of history and natural sights to check out too – the sky-blue waters of Moraira and tranquil-as-a-forest Altea are just a couple of examples. And let’s not forget about the star of the show, Benidorm, where the bright lights are guaranteed to get you moving!

Halkidiki, Greece

With its buttery beaches and just-right temperatures, Halkidiki’s a sure-fire choice for a beachy break in May. You’re in luck if you fancy just flopping on the golden sands, as there’s a whopping 550km of tempting shoreline to choose from. Between day trips to Mount Olympus, water-based activities on the coast and tempting menus of Greek goodies, there’s lots to do on this perfect peninsula. Plus, if you want to roam around the historical hotspots, you can do so without the summer crowds.

Bodrum, Turkey

May is a magnificent time to explore one of Turkey’s most tempting treasures, beautiful Bodrum. Temperatures are teetering into the mid-twenties in May, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy a mix of sunbathing and sightseeing. Start with the charming harbour, where swanky boats line the waters. Why not swing by one of the harbourfront cocktail bars? History hunters will be happy with attractions such as Bodrum Ancient Theatre too.