The best holidays to book for May 2024, from boating in France to Greek island relaxation

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free journey electronic mail for knowledgeable recommendation and money-saving reductions

Get Simon Calder’s Travel electronic mail

Two financial institution holidays and the half-term college break make May a busy month should you’re planning a springtime getaway. Half time period falls over the past week of the month, leaving three different weeks when the costs gained’t undergo the roof. Enjoy the sandy seashores and vast open areas of Pembrokeshire and the tranquillity of the Isle of Wight’s shoreline and countryside if you would like a vacation that’s nearer to dwelling.

Southern Europe shall be warming up and getting summery. That’s your cue for a lazy boating vacation on the canals of southern France, or an island idyll in the Bay of Naples. Lose your self in the wealthy tradition and excellent meals of Istanbul, or gap up on a Greek island in a child-friendly resort that offers mother and father as a lot of a break as the kids. Whatever kind of vacation you need to book in May, you’ll discover some unbelievable concepts right here.

Greece

If you’re travelling with preschool kids and need to beat the half-term worth hikes on the finish of the month, book one of many villas at Mousses Crèche and Kids’ Clubs on the Ionian island of Lefkada. You’ll get the prospect to chill out in the pool surrounded by lush gardens whereas the youngsters be part of the kids’s golf equipment and get free childcare (aside from half-term week). There’s a taverna, too, should you don’t fancy cooking. Simpson Travel has every week’s self-catering in a two-bedroom villa from £557pp, primarily based on two adults and two kids sharing, together with flights, automotive rent and welcome pack; departs 5 May.

Read extra on journey inspiration:

Isle of Wight

Make probably the most of spring’s freshness in the Isle of Wight on a strolling break with HF Holidays. You might time your go to for the twenty fifth version of the annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival, which runs from 11–19 May. But there are many strolling routes from your base at Freshwater Bay House, ranging from light strolls to extra strenuous hikes. A four-night self-guided vacation any time from 1–18 May prices from £605pp, and from £580pp throughout the remainder of the month. The worth contains breakfast, packed lunches and night meals. Wightlink has common ferries to the island from Lymington and Portsmouth.

Istanbul

May is a perfect time to go to endlessly fascinating Istanbul, with pleasantly heat days as an alternative of scorching summer season temperatures. Stay on the Radisson Blu Istanbul Pera and also you’ll have the buzzing bars and eating places of Beyoglu and Karaköy to discover in addition to fantastic views of the Golden Horn from the lodge’s restaurant. There’s additionally a spa the place you’ll be able to unwind in a sizzling tub and indoor pool. Away Holidays has a four-night room-only break departing 18 May from £502pp, together with flights and a free room improve.

France

Slow down the tempo with a laidback self-drive boating vacation in southern France, which even boating novices can do. Get to know the landscapes and wildlife of the Petite Camargue and Languedoc as you meander alongside the Canal du Rhône à Sète. Stop in Aigues-Mortes and Sète as you see how a lot distance you’ll be able to journey in the course of every week, making a lot of the fabulous seafood alongside the way in which. Nicols has every week’s boat rental in a two-cabin cruiser departing 10 May from €1,038, together with tuition; gas and mooring charges are further.

Italy

Before the crowds descend on the Neapolitan Riviera and its islands, get a scrumptious style of spring on the volcanic island of Ischia. At the Hotel Le Querce, east of Ischia harbour, you’ll have heavenly views of the Bay of Naples from the open-air thermal pool. May is a wonderful time to discover the island’s rugged inside on foot. Citalia has a five-night vacation on a room-only foundation from £844pp, together with flights and transfers for a 12 May departure.

Wales

You’ll have Tenby’s north seaside and the beautiful pastel-coloured homes of the harbour in your doorstep once you keep at Beachscape. This ethereal three-bedroom house in a Nineteenth-century townhouse has stunning views of the Pembrokeshire coast from nearly each room in addition to its balcony. It sleeps six comfortably over two flooring, and likewise options two bogs. Classic Cottages has a five-night rental beginning 4 May from £784.

Mary Novakovich is editor at massive at 101holidays.co.uk