Still trying to figure out where to go for Europe weekend trips this May? Europe’s got plenty of great spots for a long weekend!
I’ve put together this list after visiting many of these places myself – some hidden gems and a few classics that really shine in spring.
I’ve tried to include something for everyone, whether you’re into hiking, food, taking photos, or just need to chill out somewhere beautiful. May’s perfect too – decent weather without the summer crowds!
So pour yourself something nice and let’s plan your next adventure!
Best Europe Weekend Trips For Nature Lovers
1. Dolomites, Italy
May temps typically range from 9-23°C (48-73°F)
Try staying at: Hotel Miramonti
Last year, I finally made it to the Italian Dolomites and honestly kicked myself for waiting so long! If you like the outdoors, you’ll be in heaven here.
There are trails everywhere – some easy walks like the circuit around Lake Lago di Braies (which is impossibly blue in photos, but even better in person), and tougher hikes if that’s your thing.
The paths to Tre Cime di Lavaredo nearly killed me, but man, those views!
After hiking all day, the villages like Cortina d’Ampezzo are just what you need. The food is this perfect mix of Italian and Austrian influences – hearty but delicious. I still dream about the apple strudel I had in a tiny café in Ortisei.
Trust me, the Dolomites in May is a winning combo. Not too hot for hiking, but warm enough to enjoy being outside all day.
2. Bieszczady Mountains, Poland
May temps hover around 8-19°C (46-66°F)
Good place to stay: Domki 4 Nad Ranem
The Bieszczady Mountains feel like Poland’s best-kept secret. My friend insisted I visit, and wow, was she right!
Unlike the Alps or even the Tatras, these mountains have a wild, untouched quality. You won’t find masses of tourists here, just gorgeous rolling hills and forests that seem to go on forever.
I hiked part of Polonina Wetlinska on a misty morning, and it felt magical – like walking through clouds.
We passed old wooden churches that looked straight out of a fairytale and even spotted the historic forest railway chugging along in the distance.
But the real highlight? Stargazing. The night skies here are ridiculous! Since there’s barely any light pollution, you can see the Milky Way so clearly it looks fake.
We just laid on the grass outside our cabin with a bottle of local wine, staring up. Perfect night.
Best Europe Weekend Trips For History Enthusiasts
3. Berlin, Germany
May temps usually between 7-21°C (45-70°F)
I liked: Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery
Berlin in May is just right – the parks are green again, outdoor cafés reopen, but you’re not melting in summer heat while exploring.
I spent hours at the Brandenburg Gate, people-watching and soaking in the history.
The East Side Gallery blew me away too – seeing all that colorful artwork on what remains of the Wall really hits differently when you’re standing right there.
The Pergamon Museum is worth the ticket price alone! Though honestly, my favorite view was from the Victory Column – climbed all those stairs (nearly died) but seeing Berlin spread out before me was worth the burning calves.
For a change of pace, I took a boat trip on the Spree one afternoon. Seeing the city from the water gives you a whole different perspective, plus I could rest my tired feet!
Food-wise, Berlin is heaven. One night I splurged at a fancy place, but mostly I lived on street food – falafel, pretzels, and the best veggie döner kebab I’ve ever had from this tiny shop in Kreuzberg.
4. Gdansk, Poland
May temps around 8-14°C (46-57°F)
Good choice: Hotel PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto
Living in Gdańsk for 15 years, I still appreciate what makes our city special. We’ve got this unique vibe here – the Baltic breeze mixing with our Hanseatic history, and none of that overcrowding you see down south.
We locals still wander through the Main Town (we never call it “Old Town” here) on weekends. Those buildings along Długa and Mariacka streets were rebuilt exactly as they were before the war – we’re proud of that.
Bazylika Mariacka isn’t just massive; it’s our landmark.
Rainy days? That’s when many of us head to ECS. It’s not just for tourists – it’s part of our history, showing the struggles and victories of the past.
May is when Oliwa Park comes alive with locals before the summer tourists arrive.
Nothing beats grabbing a quick zapiekanka (not pierogi – that’s what we make at home on Sundays) and finding your favorite bench among the blooming rhododendrons.
And when we need a proper escape? Wyspa Sobieszewska is our secret. No fancy beach clubs or restaurants, just pure nature.
The Baltic’s always cold – we joke that only real Gdańsk folks can swim in it before June. Still, that first spring dip is our unofficial local tradition!
Best Europe Weekend Trips For Culinary Aficionados
5. Tossa de Mar, Spain
May temps usually 15-22°C (59-72°F)
Good spot: Hotel Delfín
Tossa de Mar, Catalonia isn’t just another Costa Brava beach town – its medieval walled section (“Vila Vella”) makes it special. But if I’m honest, I went for the food and wasn’t disappointed!
One evening, I had bacalao a la catalana at this tiny family–run place – the cod was perfectly cooked and that tomato-garlic sauce with pine nuts? Still trying to recreate it at home.
Another night I tried suquet – this amazing fisherman’s stew that apparently every local makes differently. The restaurant owner told me his grandmother’s recipe is the best, and after tasting it, I believe him!
I also became slightly obsessed with arròs negre – that black rice with squid ink and alioli sauce on top. Looks weird, tastes incredible.
Finished most nights with crema catalana and a glass of cava, watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. Not a bad way to end a day!
6. Porto, Portugal
May temps between 12-19°C (54-66°F)
Loved staying at: Hotel Torel Avantgarde
Porto totally stole my heart. Those colorful houses tumbling down toward the Douro River, narrow streets, and all that incredible food…
First thing I got hooked on was bacalhau “à Brás” – this shredded salt cod dish with potatoes and eggs. Sounds simple but it’s crazy good, especially with a glass of vinho verde.
Then someone convinced me to try a francesinha, which is basically a heart attack between bread – all these meats and cheese covered in this spicy tomato-beer sauce. Could barely move afterward but worth every bite!
The pastéis de nata, though – those little custard tarts? I had one every morning with coffee. The slightly burnt top, the creamy inside, the flaky pastry… Getting hungry just thinking about it now.
Obviously had to try port wine while in Porto. Did a tasting across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia where they age all the port. Six different kinds later, I was buying bottles to take home and making friends with everyone in the cellar!
Best Europe Weekend Trips For Photography Lovers
7. Venice, Italy
May temps around 12-21°C (54-70°F)
Great place: Suite735
Venice in May is perfect – warm but not sweltering, and you can actually move around without bumping into tour groups constantly!
I woke up super early one morning and had St. Mark’s Square almost to myself as the sun came up. Those golden rays hitting the basilica while pigeons scattered across the empty plaza – probably my favorite photo from the whole trip.
The gondola ride was touristy but worth it – got some shots from water level that show Venice from a completely different angle. The boatman sang a bit too, which was cheesy but kind of perfect.
Dorsoduro was my favorite area to wander with my camera. Less crowded, lots of quiet corners, and that amazing light bouncing off the canals onto old buildings.
Between photo sessions, I snacked on cicchetti at little bars – these tiny open-faced sandwiches and finger foods. Paired perfectly with a spritz!
When my feet couldn’t take any more walking, I hopped on a vaporetto to Lido beach and just chilled on the sand for an afternoon.
Not the most spectacular beach in Italy, but after days of urban photography, it was exactly what I needed.
8. Santorini, Greece
May temps around 17-24°C (63-75°F)
Stayed at: Nosotros Apartments
If you’re into photography, Santorini in May is just ridiculous. The crowds aren’t bad yet, and that blue-and-white color scheme against the deep blue sea is even better in person than on Instagram!
I nearly wore out my camera in Oia – those white buildings with blue domes against the sky are just begging to be photographed.
Sunset there gets crowded though, so one evening I headed to Imerovigli instead. Found a little café with a terrace and scored the perfect sunset view without fighting crowds.
Spent one afternoon on Vlychada beach – it’s got these wild rock formations that look like melting ice cream along the cliffs. Not the easiest beach to get to, but worth it for the dramatic shots.
The food was incredible too – had this tomato fritters dish called “tomatokeftedes” that I’m still thinking about. Paired with local white wine made from grapes grown in that volcanic soil... chef’s kiss!
Best Europe Weekend Trips For Relaxation Aficionados
9. Lake Como, Italy
May temps around 16-20°C (61-68°F)
Lovely stay at: Hotel Metropole Suisse
Lake Como in May feels like you’re in on a secret – all that luxury and beauty, but before the summer madness begins.
The gardens at Villa Melzi were in full bloom when I visited – azaleas everywhere, and these ancient trees creating perfect photo frames for the lake views.
Spent a whole afternoon just wandering and sitting on benches, watching the changing light on the water.
In Bellagio, I walked up and down Salita Serbelloni so many times, popping into little shops and taking photos of flower–covered balconies. Yes, my calves were burning from all those steps, but every view was worth it!
One evening splurged on a private boat rental for sunset. Just me, a bottle of Prosecco, and those unbelievable mountain views reflecting in the still water. Felt like a movie star for about two hours!
The food around Como is different from what you might expect in Italy – more butter than olive oil, lots of lake fish, and this amazing risotto with perch that changed my life a little bit.
10. Island of Krk, Croatia
May temps around 14-20°C (57-68°F)
Great option: Mobile Homes Camping Omišalj
Krk might not be as famous as Hvar or Dubrovnik, but that’s exactly why it’s perfect for a relaxing May weekend – all the beauty without the Instagram crowds!
The water in May isn’t super warm yet, but on sunny days it’s definitely swimmable if you’re brave! That crystal clear turquoise color against the white pebble beaches looks fake but isn’t.
I spent a day exploring Baška with its long beach and narrow old streets.
Found this tiny konoba (tavern) where an old fisherman and his wife served the catch of the day with homemade bread and Žlahtina white wine from nearby Vrbnik. Simple but perfect.
Krk Town itself has this cool Frankopan Castle that’s worth poking around. Climbed up to the walls for some great views of red roofs against blue sea.
One day I took the ferry to Rab island nearby – just 15 minutes across but feels like a whole different world with its four distinct bell towers and sandy beaches.
Packed a picnic, found a quiet cove, and spent the whole afternoon swimming and napping in the sun.
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10 Best Europe Weekend Trips in May: Final Thoughts
That’s my roundup of killer May destinations for Europe weekend trips! Hope one catches your fancy.
May really hits that sweet spot – decent weather, prices not sky-high yet, and locals who aren’t tired of tourists!
Let me know if you’ve been to any of these spots or if you’ve got other May favorites I should check out next year! Would love to hear about your experiences.
P.S. If this helped you plan your trip, sharing with fellow travelers is always appreciated!
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