Holidays 
Cruises 
Flights 
Hotel Only 
Deals 
Destinations 
Extras
Experiences
Travel information
Help CentreList
7 nights
Best May half-term holidays
Half term getaway, anyone? Get the inside scoop on the best May half term holidays.
May half term’s the perfect time of year to soar off on a family-friendly holiday. Things are just starting to warm up on home turf, but there’s no need to bank on the British weather for your fix of pre-summer sunshine. Europe’s temperatures are hovering in the 20s, so you could be topping up your tan in just a couple of hours. The beaches and sights are quieter, too, making it the ideal time for a beat-the-crowds break with the whole gang. Plus, you can often bag a bargain trip to the likes of Spain, Turkey and more.
Take a look at where you should head and browse our May holiday deals to get there for less.
Take a look at where you should head and browse our May holiday deals to get there for less.
GRAN CANARIA, CANARY ISLANDS
The Canary Islands have been soaking up the sun all winter, so Gran Canaria’s a winner if you’re after some spring sunshine. Book a holiday to Gran Canaria and the family can look forward to toasty temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s – ideal for topping up your tan on the island’s white-sand beaches. Active families are covered, too. In the larger-than-life coastal resorts, sandy strips come loaded with watersports. Head inland, and you’ll see there’s more to this place than lounger-loaded beaches. A big chunk of the island’s been made a biosphere reserve – sort of like a national park – thanks to the unique plants and microclimates that crop up in the centre.
Check out our holidays to the Canary Islands.
Check out our holidays to the Canary Islands.
IBIZA, BALEARIC ISLANDS
Ibiza might be known as Spain’s party playground, but this Balearic Island’s big-name clubs and A-list DJ sets are just the tip of the iceberg. Away from the nightlife-focused resorts of San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, it sings to a different tune. Tucked into Cala Tarida, the family-friendly TUI BLUE Tarida Beach has scored a standout spot on the White Isle. It comes with a kids’ splash park and a sandy beach on its doorstep. The sea here is calm and shallow, so it’s perfect for families holidaying with children that aren’t confident swimmers. May is one of the best times to visit Ibiza – you’ll avoid the peak season crowds and the temperatures are already creeping up to the mid-20s.
Book a break to the Balearics.
Book a break to the Balearics.
ANTALYA AREA, TURKEY
From spice-laden bazaars and ancient sights to tree-cloaked mountains and postcard-worthy beaches, half-term holidays to Turkey are as action packed as they come. Fancy a family adventure? Book a day out to The Land of Legends in Belek. This fun-filled theme park and waterpark’s home to everything from lazy rivers and a 5D cinema to thrilling rides and speedy slides. Whether you’re with little ones or older kids, there’s something for every member of the gang. Not your bag? How about taking the kids on a Manavgat Bazaar & Waterfall tour? This full-day tour begins at Manavgat Falls, stops at a souvenir-filled bazaar and finishes with a cruise on the Manavgat River. Tuck into lunch onboard the boat and hop off at a beach for a swim before travelling back to your hotel.
Tempted by a trip to Turkey? Check out these great deals.
COSTA DORADA, SPAIN
Spain’s Costas have cemented their place on the holiday hotlist. If you’ve got the family in tow, Costa Dorada’s spot on. The Golden Coast turns out 92 kilometres of honey-hued sands along the coastline between Barcelona and Tarragona – all warmed up by an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year. Book a room at one of the resort’s many kid-friendly hotels, like the Golden Avenida Family Suites, and you can spend days building a kingdom of sandcastles on the beach. Or, pay a visit to Spain’s biggest theme park, PortAventura World – it’s home to Europe’s tallest rollercoaster, as well as plenty of attractions for children aged under five.
Fancy sunning yourself on a holiday to Spain? Right this way.
Fancy sunning yourself on a holiday to Spain? Right this way.
RHODES, GREECE
A Greek-island getaway’s a sure-fire way to get the whole gang grinning this May. Pack your bags for Rhodes and say hello to family-friendly beaches and heaps of historical sites. Plus, there's plenty of sunshine on the cards, too. Stay at TUI BLUE Atlantica Aegean Park and the whole family will be catered for. You’ve got poolside bars, a game-filled kids’ club and a fussy-eater-friendly dining scene. But the real showstopper? The waterpark. Here kids can burn off some energy on a selection of waterslides and flumes. Want to dial up the fun even more? Book the Pirates of Rhodes boat trip and get stuck into pirate-themed games and activities with the kids. Plus, you’ll stop at some fantastic swimming spots.
Get your Greece holiday secured.
Ready to book a week in the sun this May?
Find a free kids’ place, and for more tips on where to take the family on holiday, check out where’s hot in May and the best family holiday destinations.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Danielle Penny and Zoe Hegan
Last updated: 04.04.2023
Find a free kids’ place, and for more tips on where to take the family on holiday, check out where’s hot in May and the best family holiday destinations.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Danielle Penny and Zoe Hegan
Last updated: 04.04.2023