Where to go in May half-term on a family holiday
As the warmth of spring begins to melt into the vibrant days of early summer, May half term is the ideal time for families to escape and discover some of the most captivating travel destinations worldwide. Whether you’re drawn to the the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean, mainland Europe’s rich cultural heritage or the tropical flair of the Indian Ocean, there’s a perfect holiday spot for every type of family traveller. Here are our top picks for an unforgettable May half term getaway with hotel recommendations for each destination
Words by Lucy Halfhead
Published: 1st June 2026 | Last updated: 27th July 2026
A bite sized guide to: Where to go in May half term on a family holiday
Greece: temperatures between 18-24 degrees
Cyprus: temperatures between 18-26 degrees
Malta: temperatures between 15-23 degrees
Seychelles: temperatures between 25-30 degrees
Italy: temperatures between 15-23 degrees
Portugal: temperatures between 18-23 degrees
Spain: temperatures between 15-25 degrees
Belgium: temperatures between 9-18 degrees
Croatia: temperatures between 17-24 degrees
UK: temperatures between 9-17 degrees
Your most asked May family holiday questions, answered
Is May a good time to travel with kids?
May is a bit of a sweet spot when it comes to family holidays – the kind you wish you could keep secret. Spring sunshine is warming things up across Europe without tipping into full-on summer heat, landscapes are lush and green, and attractions feel refreshingly calm before the peak-school-holiday rush. It’s perfect for exploring cities with culture-curious kids or enjoying beach days without battling for space. And with May half-term on the cards, it’s an ideal excuse to sneak away somewhere special – whether that’s a short-hop European escape or a sunnier adventure further afield, where summer already feels like it’s arrived early
Which is the best hotel for children by age?
Best hotels for babies and toddlers in May: Domes of Elounda,Anassa, Forte Village, Feuerstein Nature Family Resort , OKU Andalusia
Best hotels for kids in May: MarBella, Mar-bella Collection,The Westin Dragonara Resort, Club Med Seychelles, Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi, Sardinia
Best hotels for teens in May: Noah Surf House, Sun Gardens, Another Place
How am I best to book my holiday?
We’ve designed Tiny Travelship to make booking your family holiday as simple, transparent, and stress-free as possible. If a hotel is an official Tiny Travelship partner, you’ll be directed to their dedicated listing page in our digital directory, where you’ll find detailed information on everything from flight & transfer times to room layouts, and monthly temperature guides. On these pages, we also provide honest advice on the best way to book. This might be via Tiny Travel Agency, in the instance they price match what you would pay by going direct (whilst seamlessly planning your escape end to end, for free, and even unlocking extra perks!). Or, you might get the best rates by booking with the hotel themselves (though sometimes Tiny Travel Agency can still step in and help, if you’re eager to forgo any holiday headaches)
If a hotel isn’t an official partner, we’ll either link you through to booking.com to complete your booking – meaning we make a small commission – or flag that we’d recommend booking via Tiny Travel Agency (again, so you can access great rates & added benefits, whilst receiving complimentary support and insider intel). Either way, rest assured, every hotel we feature has been tried, tested, and genuinely loved by fellow well-travelled parents
More family holiday recommendations
Greece
With temperatures in the mid-20s and the summer crowds still a few weeks away, May is the savvy time to visit Greece with kids. Mini history buffs will be in their element exploring the ancient ruins of Delphi or the Acropolis in Athens – a highly walkable city even for little legs – without the risk of heatstroke or faced with long lines (we all know that children and queues do not mix). Archaeological wonders aside, May brings a vibrant display of nature, as wildflowers are in full bloom across the islands and the landscapes are green and lush. Among the whitewashed villages, May Day celebrations will be in full swing, where tots can get creative with wreath-making and burn off some energy dancing to local music
May weather: between 18-24 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Greece, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Cyprus
On the rugged Mediterranean island of Cyprus, May brings balmy beach days – the sands of Protaras, such as Fig Tree Bay, are particularly serene and safe for little ones, with shallow waters perfect for splashing about in before spicy summer temperatures kick in. For nature lovers, the Akamas Peninsula offers family-friendly hiking trails with breathtaking views and the chance to spot wildflowers in full bloom, or over in the coastal town of Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings is a fascinating site that feels like a real-life treasure hunt. Cyprus also comes alive with local festivals in May, including the Lemesos Wine Festival (because all parents need a little tipple on holiday amirite?), where traditional music and dancing is the order of the day
May weather: between 18-26 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Cyprus, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Malta
With temperatures hovering in the mid-20s, Malta in May is a family-friendly surefire hit. The island’s rich history offers the chance to step back in time, such as at Fort Rinella, home to live cannon demonstrations, or among the narrow, car-free streets in the walled city of Mdina, where kids can play at being explorers while parents admire the medieval bastions. The island’s natural beauty is equally enchanting and Mellieha Bay is a top sandy beach for a relaxing family day with shallows that are ideal for young swimmers. Finally, a visit to the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino is a must at this time of year – its turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling and the boat ride there is an adventure in itself
May weather: between 15-23 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Malta, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Seychelles
May is the month to brave the long-haul flight and head to the Seychelles; as the islands emerge from the rainy season, the weather is glorious, offering warm, sunny days perfect for tropical escapades. Dazzlingly blue waters are a given – see Anse Royale, where gentle waves make it a safe and fun spot for youngsters to swim, snorkel and spot colourful marine life. For a truly unique experience, take a boat trip to Curieuse Island, where giant tortoises roam along the unspoilt beaches like something out of Jurassic Park, while the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin is another family-friendly excursion, offering easy hikes through the palm forest with the chance to spot rare species like the coco de mer plant
May weather: between 25-30 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in the Seychelles, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Italy
Good news for gelato enthusiasts – Italy is an excellent choice for May half term adventures. Find the creamiest scoops in the coastal regions of Cinque Terre, where quiet May days mean you can steer the whole family around colourful villages without the seasonal crush, or in Rome, whose iconic landmarks (think the Colosseum and the Roman Forum) are yours to explore at a more relaxed pace. This city also has kid-friendly exhibits, such as the Explora Children’s Museum, and of course, delicious bowls of pasta for your mini carb fiends at every turn. Further north, Tuscany’s rolling hills are the ideal setting for a energising family bike ride or a gentle hike through charming medieval villages like San Gimignano
Italy weather: between 15-23 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Italy, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Portugal
Portugal is a no-brainer for families seeking a blend of sun, culture and adventure in May, with mild temperatures in the early 20s prime for outdoor exploration without the intense summer heat. In Lisbon, families can wander through the cobbled streets of the Alfama district, stop to snack on pastéis de nata, and hop on a historic tram for a fun ride. Heading south to the Algarve, the region’s stunning beaches, such as Praia de Marinha, offer golden sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for safe swimming and sandcastle-building. It’s also a great (read, cooler and calmer) time of year to take a boat trip along Lagos’s picturesque coastline, discovering dramatic cliffs and fairytale grottos that could’ve come straight out of a Disney movie
May weather: between 18-23 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Portugal, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Spain
Spain in spring has a nice ring to it and you’ll find that the temperature (20-25 degrees) really is ideal – warm enough for outdoor activities yet comfortably cool for sightseeing ahead of the summer swarms. Of course, there are more beaches than you can shake a spade at along the Costa del Sol and across the Balearic Islands, offering a chance for parents to top up their tans while the kids splash about in top-to-toe factor 50. But don’t overlook the cities – Seville’s warm May afternoons are perfect for watching a captivating flamenco show, while the Alcázar Palace boasts beautiful gardens for free-wheeling around. Then there’s Barcelona, where kids can play among Gaudi’s fantastical designs at the colourful mosaic-filled Park Güell
May weather: between 15-25 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Spain, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Belgium
Was Belgium on your list for a May half-term break? Well it should be! Turns out it’s a dream destination for families seeking an enriching spring getaway. A country famous for its chocolate, waffles and beer (what’s not to love?), Belgium is home to the magical medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent; the former has cobblestone streets and peaceful canals to explore by boat, plus an interactive Chocolate Museum where kids can learn how to make their favourite sweet treats. May is also the time when Belgium’s parks and gardens burst into bloom; check out the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels and the colourful displays at the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, which are only open for three weeks of the year
May weather: between 9-18 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Belgium, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Croatia
Come summer, it feels like the whole world has descended on Croatia – go in May and you’ll be able to walk, rather than shuffle, along the ancient city walls in the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik and imagine yourself in a scene from Game of Thrones (which was filmed here), or venture into the labyrinth of narrow streets to discover hidden cafés and charming shops. Spring is a great time to explore the Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its cascading waterfalls, glassy lakes for boat trips, and easy, scenic walking trails. On the coast, the islands of Hvar and Brač offer calm, shallow beaches, and the chance to join a sailing trip for a whole new perspective on the gin-clear waters of the Adriatic
May weather: between 17-24 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Croatia, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
UK
From the Lake District’s magnificent scenery to Edinburgh with its historic castles and the charming villages and pretty countryside of the Cotswolds, the UK offers springtime charm in spades. As the days grow longer and the weather becomes more inviting, May also heralds the start of the UK’s outdoor season with the family-friendly Hay Festival in Wales, a celebration of books and storytelling, and open-air events like the Chelsea Flower Show, showcasing vibrant colours and imaginative landscapes that will captivate children’s imaginations. London’s iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, will be looking their best dappled in sunshine, and it’s a good time to enjoy a day at the zoo or the Natural History Museum before the summer influx of tourists
May weather: between 9-17 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in the UK, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Themes: Where to go when by month, with kids, The Family Friendly European Edit, The Family Friendly Winter Sun Edit, The Family Friendly Adventure Edit, The Family Friendly UK Edit,
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