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

Two bank holidays and the half-term school break make May a busy month if you’re planning a springtime getaway. Half term falls during the last week of the month, leaving three other weeks when the prices won’t go through the roof. Enjoy the sandy beaches and wide open spaces of Pembrokeshire and the tranquillity of the Isle of Wight’s coastline and countryside if you want a holiday that’s closer to home.

Southern Europe will be warming up and getting summery. That’s your cue for a lazy boating holiday on the canals of southern France, or an island idyll in the Bay of Naples. Lose yourself in the rich culture and superb food of Istanbul, or hole up on a Greek island in a child-friendly resort that gives parents as much of a break as the children. Whatever type of holiday you want to book in May, you’ll find some incredible ideas here.

Greece

If you’re travelling with preschool children and want to beat the half-term price hikes at the end of the month, book one of the villas at Mousses Crèche and Kids’ Clubs on the Ionian island of Lefkada. You’ll get the chance to relax in the pool surrounded by lush gardens while the kids join the children’s clubs and get free childcare (apart from half-term week). There’s a taverna, too, if you don’t fancy cooking. Simpson Travel has a week’s self-catering in a two-bedroom villa from £557pp, based on two adults and two children sharing, including flights, car hire and welcome pack; departs 5 May.

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Isle of Wight

Make the most of spring’s freshness in the Isle of Wight on a walking break with HF Holidays. You could time your visit for the 25th edition of the annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival, which runs from 11–19 May. But there are plenty of walking routes from your base at Freshwater Bay House, ranging from gentle strolls to more strenuous hikes. A four-night self-guided holiday any time from 1–18 May costs from £605pp, and from £580pp during the rest of the month. The price includes breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals. Wightlink has regular ferries to the island from Lymington and Portsmouth.

Istanbul