7 ideas for a May half term holiday

1. Algarve

For a short sunshine hit

The Algarve is one of those places that gets it just right: it’s sun-soaked, easy-going and beautiful without being showy.

In May, the mercury hits a very pleasant 24C, making it perfect for beach days, coastal hikes or just pottering around local markets. Families love the wide, sandy beaches around Albufeira and Lagos, where paddle-friendly shallows and beachfront restaurants make life easy.

Head further west to Sagres for quieter sands and a wilder, wind-swept coastline that’s big with surfers, while foodies can feast on just-caught seafood, best served with a sea view and a glass of vinho verde.

With short flights and great-value accommodation, it’s ideal for a spontaneous half term escape with sun almost guaranteed.

2. Costa Dorada

For a bargain getaway

If you’re after a holiday that won’t stretch your budget, Spain’s Costa Dorada is a savvy choice.

Translating to ‘Golden Coast’, this stretch of Catalonia has beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts and a surprisingly rich dose of culture. Salou is a hit with families, thanks to soft sands, calm waters and its proximity to PortAventura World – one of Europe’s biggest theme parks with rides, water slides and even a Ferrari Land.

If you’re craving something more low-key, neighbouring Cambrils is a charming fishing town with a buzzy waterfront and excellent tapas spots. You’re also just a short hop from Tarragona, a historic Roman city with amphitheatres, ruins and a lively local scene.

Flights into nearby Reus or Barcelona are quick and affordable in May, keeping things breezy.

3. Barcelona

For a quick city break

Barcelona is ideal for a short, energising escape. You’ve got the big-hitter sights – the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Las Ramblas – but you’ve also got long beach days and laidback dining that make it feel like a holiday.

Kids love the cable car up to Montjuïc, while grown-ups can enjoy a late afternoon vermouth in a shady square or a seafood lunch by the beach. Everything’s walkable (or a short metro ride away), and the city’s creative energy, from street art to live music, makes it endlessly inspiring.

In May, temperatures are in the low 20s and the city hums with life without feeling overcrowded. And whether you're there for 48 hours or the whole week, it always leaves you wanting more.

4. Paphos

For short-haul sun

Cyprus has some of the best weather in the Med come May, with Paphos offering sunshine, warm seas and a laidback pace that’s ideal for recharging. The town blends resort-style ease with UNESCO-listed history, so you can hop between ancient mosaics and palm-lined beaches in the space of an afternoon.

Coral Bay is a favourite for families, with gently shelving sands and calm, clear water, while the Paphos Archaeological Park brings history to life for curious kids and grown-ups alike.

Day trips inland take you to sleepy villages and vineyards in the Troodos Mountains, and there’s always a taverna nearby for meze and local wine.

5. Madeira

For an adventurous family break

Madeira isn’t your average beach holiday. This wild, mountainous Portuguese island in the Atlantic is made for families who love the outdoors.

In May, the landscape bursts into colour with blooming jacarandas and wildflowers, while temperatures stay comfortably in the low 20s. You can hike along the levadas – scenic irrigation channels that snake through the forest – or hop on a catamaran to spot dolphins and whales.

The capital, Funchal, mixes old-world charm with vibrant markets and cable cars to hilltop botanical gardens. For something truly unique, you can ride a traditional wicker toboggan back down.

There are black-sand beaches, natural lava pools and more than enough adventure to fill a week, all without venturing too far from the comforts of a family-friendly hotel.

6. Crete

For culture and sun combined

Crete packs ancient history, spectacular nature and sunny beach days all in one trip. It’s Greece’s largest island and one of its most diverse, where you can wander through 4,000-year-old palaces in the morning, and swim in turquoise coves by afternoon.

Knossos, near Heraklion, brings the myths of the Minotaur to life, while charming towns like Rethymnon and Chania have Venetian harbours, colourful alleyways and plenty of gelato stops.

For beach time, head to Elafonissi for pink-tinged sands and clear, shallow waters. And don’t leave without trying the local dakos salad or honey-drenched loukoumades. It’s a sunshine-soaked hit of culture without the crowds.

7. Dubai

For guaranteed heat

If your priority is sunshine, Dubai is as dependable as it gets. With highs well into the 30s in May, you can bank on pool days, sea swims and balmy evenings – and with air-conditioned malls and indoor attractions, it’s surprisingly manageable even for little ones.

Families will find a hotel to suit every style and budget, often with splash parks, kids' clubs and shaded pools built in.

Beyond the resorts, there’s loads to explore: take a desert safari with dune bashing and camel rides, check out the Dubai Aquarium, or whizz to the top of the Burj Khalifa for epic skyline views.

With direct flights from most UK cities and world-class service across the board, it’s a slick, sun-drenched half term break with maximum ease.