Top May Holiday Deals: From Mediterranean Villas to Canadian Rail Journeys
With ongoing conflicts in Iran complicating travel to the Middle East and parts of Asia, holidaymakers are pivoting their plans towards destinations closer to home or further west. May, packed with bank holidays, offers a perfect opportunity to embrace early summer vibes without the peak-season crowds. From the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean to the rugged landscapes of Yorkshire, here are the standout holiday deals for May 2026, curated to inspire your next escape.
Corsica: Island Retreat with Poolside Luxury
Corsica, the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean, beckons with its stunning northern coastline. For groups of up to eight, Le Citaj provides a traditional stone house near the charming town of St-Florent, ideal for exploring Cap Corse and vibrant Bastia. This property features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious garden complete with a pool and ample lounging areas. Corsican Places offers a seven-night package from 2 May starting at £699 per person, reduced from £969, including flights, luggage, car hire, and a welcome pack. For those traveling during the May half-term, the price rises to £979 per person.
Italy: Baroque Beauty in Puglia
Escape the intense summer heat by visiting Puglia in May, when temperatures are more temperate. The "Baroque Cities of the Hidden South" tour with Long Travel spans six nights across two centres, showcasing picturesque locales like Lecce, often dubbed the 'Florence of the South', and Ostuni. Based in boutique hotels in Conversano and Lecce, the itinerary includes stops in Alberobello, Nardò, and Martina Franca on the Salento peninsula. Prices begin at £1,549 per person, covering flights, car hire, breakfast, a welcome dinner, and a wine tasting experience.
Yorkshire: Coastal Walks on the King's Path
Explore England's scenic Yorkshire coast via the newly designated King Charles III England Coast Path, part of Ramble Worldwide's guided walking holiday. Highlights include Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, and Staithes, set against dramatic cliffs and moors. A departure on 3 May starts at £949 per person, offering five nights of half-board accommodation and guided walks along this extensive 2,700-mile route.
Germany: Rhine River Cruise for Adults
Indulge in a leisurely adults-only river cruise along the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam, soaking up springtime scenery. This fairy-tale journey passes riverside castles, vineyard-clad hills, and historic cities such as Rudesheim, Koblenz, and Cologne. Iglu Cruise provides a seven-night voyage departing 11 May from £1,689 per person, inclusive of flights, full-board accommodation, and gratuities.
Grenada: Caribbean All-Inclusive Luxury
For a tropical retreat, Sandals Grenada offers an all-inclusive adults-only resort on the island's southwest tip. Enjoy stunning sunsets, clear waters, and Pink Gin Beach, with amenities like five pools, two whirlpools, 10 restaurants, and six bars. Tropical Sky has availability for a 7 May departure starting at £2,519 per person, including flights, transfers, and all-inclusive stays.
Wales: Rural Escape on the Llyn Peninsula
Unwind in north Wales at Brynhynog Fawr, a four-bedroom farmhouse on a working farm near Aberdaron Beach. This spacious property accommodates up to eight people and two dogs, featuring a large garden with views of rolling hills. Booked through Wales Cottage Holidays, a five-night stay from 15 May costs £996 in total.
Splurge-Worthy Options: Greece and Canada
For a truly special experience, consider a 15-day sailing tour through the Dodecanese islands on a traditional Turkish gulet with Peter Sommer Travels. Departing 23 May, prices start at £6,395 per person, covering airport transfers, full-board accommodation, transport, and entrance fees, with flights extra. Alternatively, embark on the Rocky Mountaineer Gold Leaf Tour in Canada, a nine-night journey from Vancouver to Calgary, including whale watching, stays at Lake Louise's Fairmont Chateau, and visits to the Columbia Icefields and Banff. Inspiring Travel offers this package from £7,555 per person, including flights and specified excursions.
Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, these May holiday deals provide diverse options to kick off the summer season in style. Mary Novakovich, editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk, shares these insights to help you plan your perfect getaway.
