Summer’s right around the corner, but why wait until then for a holiday? May’s the magic month for getaways, with just-right temperatures, peaceful resorts and a few cheeky extra days of annual leave thrown in! Whether you’re dreaming of a whistle-stop weekend in the city, or fancy making the most of the bank holidays with an extended stay somewhere sunny, we’ve got the destination for you…

Rome

Remarkable ruins? Bustling nightlife? A first-class food scene? Rome’s got every element covered for a long weekend in the city. The Italian capital’s ancient roots make it a history hunters paradise, home to a host of well-preserved landmarks. But there’s so much more to this city than its sights. Take the cuisine, rich, hearty and full of flair. Steaming supplì (risotto balls) from a food market, a piled-high plate of cacio e pepe served up in a traditional trattoria, a tub of gloriously creamy gelato perched in a piazza, memorable meals are to be had everywhere!

This time of year’s also ideal for exploring the city’s parks. Hire a bike and whizz through Villa Borghese on two wheels or follow the fountains through the Vatican Gardens. For the best views, it has to be Parco Savello. Known locally as the ‘Giardino degli Aranci’, this is the perfect plot for a picnic in the shade of the orange trees.

Turkey

Get ready to give them bank holiday envy with a trip to terrific Turkey. You won’t want for anything here, whether it’s nature-filled day trips, view-laden hikes or delicious dinners. Dalaman’s scenery is a real showstopper, while Izmir’s bustling streets are made for meandering. Want the best of both worlds? Bodrum’s traditional Turkey with a modern twist. And who could resist Antalya’s 400-mile stretch of white-sand beaches?

Cultural experiences come in all shapes, sizes and colours, and in Turkey you’ll find them all. Hop onboard a traditional gulet boat and cruise along the Turquoise Coast. Or why not indulge in a bit of R&R at a traditional Turkish hammam? And for a glimpse into local life, there’s nothing better than soaking up the sights and sounds of a local bazaar.

Crete

Crete’s a treat for early summer stays. As the largest of the Greek isles, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, bars and activities. Hersonissos and Malia are a magnet for night owls, while Stalis and Analipsis beckon for go-slow getaways.

The island’s picturesque peaks and colossal canyons are tailor-made for outdoor pursuits. It’s best explored on foot, tracing well-marked trails through verdant valleys. The most popular route winds through the Samaria Gorge. Open to the public from May until October, the hike’s 16km long, but the scenic rewards make it well worth the steps. Prefer aquatic adventures? Divers flock here for the clear, calm waters and smattering of shipwrecks.

Rhodes

Rhodes is the prime setting for every type of trip, from family stays to romantic escapes. Hillside walks, vineyard visits and local cuisine tastings are all on the cards. And that’s not forgetting the bounty of blissful beaches! Make the most of the beams on standout sands like Faliraki and Pefkos Beach or switch up sunbathing for sightseeing on Tsambika Beach. You’ll find glimmering grains alongside a clifftop monastery here.

Finding ways to fill your days is a breeze on this history-heaped isle. The Acropolis of Lindos should be top of your must-visit agenda. Roam around the ruins, then sit back and enjoy the knockout panoramas. The UNESCO-protected Old Town’s another camera-ready spot, ringed by walls and barely troubled by the passage of time.

Costa Brava

Seeking sun, sea and sights just a short hop from the UK? Say hola to the Costa Brava. It gleams with golden sands, in fact, there’s more than 130 miles of coastline to flake out on. Many of these have the Blue Flag seal of approval, ranging from sprawling swathes to tucked-away coves. Snorkelling and sailing are popular pastimes too, especially in Cap de Creus.

Culture comes easy on this Costa, so make a start in Gothic Girona. Peel back layers of history as you discover the Old Quarter, colossal cathedral and myriad of museums. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, sample a local speciality, xuixo. This deep-fried pastry is filled with cream and dusted in sugar, delicious! Art more your thing? Delve into the world of Salvador Dalí at the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat and Gala Dalí Castle House-Museum in Púbol.