Best May bank holiday breaks

Majorca

Hop on a flight to Majorca and you can find yourself relaxing on the island’s sunny shores in under three hours. Once you arrive, there are tonnes of spots perfect for a long weekend. Chill out at traditional beach resort Cala d’Or, which has seven different strips of sand up for grabs, or dial up the fun in party-ready Magaluf. Then there’s the island’s capital, Palma. Enjoy a city break marvelling at the impressive La Seu Cathedral in the old town and tucking into tapas at one of the nearby bars.

Find out more about our holidays to Majorca

Ibiza

The White Isle really starts to heat up in May, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s. It’s the perfect spot for some early summer sun, thanks to its world-famous nightlife scene and laidback island lifestyle. Opening parties kick off at the start of the month, so the clubs will have had a few weeks to get warmed up for the season – try San Antonio or Playa d’en Bossa, if dancing the night away is your thing. During the day, put on your cultural hat and head for the hippie markets in Es Cana and San Carlos to grab lunch and pick up souvenirs made by local artists.

Find out more about our holidays to Ibiza

Corfu

While Ibiza is known as the White Isle, Corfu holds court as the Emerald one. This Greek island is covered in cypress trees and olive groves, plus a healthy sized dollop of wild flowers. But the crème de la crème of landscapes in these parts? The wide sandy beaches lining the coast. If you fancy a quiet weekend, head to the north, where the resorts of Gouvia and San Stefanos offer up prime-for-sunbathing strips of sand and family-run tavernas. Party animals will find kindred spirits in Kavos, while Sidari and Roda offer home-from-home comforts without the wet weather.

Find out more about our holidays to Corfu

Tenerife

The Canary Islands specialise in year-round sunshine, so you could spend Christmas or the Easter bank holiday in Tenerife just as easily as you could any others. But the mercury in the late spring inches towards the high-20s, so it’s one of the warmest spots in Europe during May. Great beaches come as standard, and, away from the sand, adventurous types can head up Mount Teide – Spain’s highest peak. Playa de las Americas is home to the island’s nightlife scene, while Playa Paraiso caters to families with two waterparks, Aqualand and Siam Park.

Find out more about our holidays to Tenerife

Ready for a few days away?

Have a browse of our May holiday deals. Need more inspiration? Read our article on the best long weekend escapes in Europe – bank holiday not required. Or, check out our suggestions of the best places for a city break.

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Author: Lizzie Butler