Top 20 sunny destinations to visit in May 2027

Barcelona combines modernist architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and Catalan cuisine all in one day. From the Sagrada Família to the narrow lanes of the Barri Gòtic, and from the tapas scene in Poble Sec to the views at Búnkers del Carmel, the Catalan capital sets its own pace. It is an intense city that can feel crowded, but it rewards those who wander away from the main tourist paths into neighborhoods like Gràcia or Poblenou, where daily local life remains the focus.

Seville runs on the rhythm of the tapeo. You walk into a bar, order two small plates and a glass of fino, then do it all over again three blocks away. From the world's largest Gothic cathedral and an active royal palace to the birthplace of flamenco and over 3,000 tapas bars, this Andalusian capital offers a rare intensity at prices that remain remarkably low, with a full round of drinks and snacks often costing 10-15 EUR.

Sitting on the high plains of Castile, Madrid packs three major art museums onto a single boulevard, serves up hearty counter-style dining, and keeps a nightlife pace that rarely slows before dawn. It is more grounded and less crowded than Barcelona, offering a sharp contrast between neighborhoods like bohemian La Latina and upscale Salamanca, all defined by an unapologetically late-night lifestyle.

Nice draws you in with its sharp Mediterranean light and high-energy atmosphere. From the iconic Promenade des Anglais to the fragrant, winding alleys of Vieux-Nice and the sweeping views atop the Colline du Château, the city delivers a constant stream of memorable scenes. Between sun-drenched local dishes, high-end museums, and quick trips to the water, it strikes a balance between laid-back relaxation and city activity that feels a lot like a more historic, elevated Santa Monica.

Montpellier defies easy categorization. This Languedoc city blends a labyrinthine medieval core with the architectural ambition of Antigone, a neoclassical neighborhood designed by Ricardo Bofill. With a quarter of the population under 25, the city maintains an intensity rarely found in such ancient streets. Between markets featuring pélardon goat cheese from the Cévennes and café terraces in the Saint-Roch district serving local Pic Saint-Loup wine, Montpellier offers a Mediterranean lifestyle that feels grounded, skipping the high-gloss pretense you might expect from the French Riviera.

Athens is a dense urban sprawl anchored by the Acropolis, where ancient ruins stand right up against modern city life. You can spend your mornings exploring the historic streets of Plaka and Monastiraki before heading up Lycabettus Hill for a panoramic view that rivals the scale of Los Angeles, but with thousands of years of history. It is a place where you can easily toggle between world-class museums and chaotic, authentic local markets.

Los Angeles is a sprawling megalopolis where Hollywood meets the Pacific, defined by its intense contrasts. You will find everything from the glamour of Beverly Hills to the creative energy of Venice Beach and an inescapable cinematic history that is best explored with a rental car. The local food scene is as diverse as the city neighborhoods, featuring authentic Mexican tacos, oversized burgers, and California-style sushi. Expect sunshine almost year-round.

Bonifacio sits atop 230-foot white limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, defying gravity like a coastal fortress in Big Sur. The Genoese citadel and narrow cobblestone streets overlook a harbor tucked deep into a narrow inlet. Between the steep King of Aragon staircase, sea caves, and the turquoise waters of the Lavezzi Islands, you are constantly navigating a vertical landscape.

Palermo is an open-air baroque stage, a crossroads of civilizations where Arab-Norman mosaics contrast with the weathered charm of crumbling facades. The city hits your senses hard, from the intensity of its crowded markets and deep-rooted street food culture to the raw energy of its narrow side streets. It is a place that demands to be experienced rather than just observed, rewarding those who navigate its organized chaos with an unforgettable trip.

Cairo is the largest city in Africa and a place where ancient history hits you from every angle. You can spend your days exploring the Giza Pyramids, wandering the historic architecture of the Islamic Quarter, or visiting the spiritual sites of the Coptic Quarter. Top off your trip with a stroll through the local souks or a cruise down the Nile for a perspective you just cannot get anywhere else.

Santorini was born from a volcanic catastrophe, resulting in white-washed villages clinging to ochre cliffs above a deep blue caldera. The sunsets here are legendary, the vines grow in unique baskets across volcanic rock, and the local cherry tomatoes have a flavor profile you will not find anywhere else. It is a rugged, dramatic landscape that feels like the edge of the world, only with a much better view.

Out in the Nevada desert, the neon glow of the Strip makes it easy to lose track of time and seasons. From the Bellagio fountains and the Venetian canals to the Luxor pyramid, every resort tries to outdo the next, while the massive LED Sphere dominates the boulevard.

A few miles away, Downtown and Fremont Street preserve the retro soul of a city built on gambling and desert high-stakes.

San Diego gives you California without the frantic energy of Los Angeles. With 266 days of sunshine a year and 112 kilometres of coastline, the city takes a famously relaxed approach to daily life. Between the surfers at Pacific Beach, the seals in La Jolla, and the craft breweries in North Park, it is easy to see why people call it America's Finest City.

Tunis is a city of sharp contrasts, where ancient North African roots meet a Mediterranean sensibility. You can wander the UNESCO-listed medina, a dense maze of Ottoman-era palaces and bustling souks, before stepping onto grand avenues that feel like a slice of Paris. Nearby, the ruins of Carthage offer a deep dive into history, while the blue-and-white clifftop village of Sidi Bou Saïd provides panoramic coastal views. Do not miss the Bardo Museum for its world-renowned mosaics, all set against the constant, subtle scent of jasmine.

Fez holds its own against Marrakech, its larger Moroccan counterpart. This imperial city boasts a history stretching back over 1,200 years, and travelers increasingly view it as a top-tier destination in North Africa.

The Medina, a World Apart

The defining neighborhood here is the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. It stands as the largest medieval city in North Africa, sprawling across more than 9,000 narrow alleyways. Getting lost in Fez-el-Bali, the historic walled quarter, is practically part of the itinerary. You enter through one of the monumental gates cut into the ramparts that frame the old town. Bab Boujloud is the most striking, with brilliant blue and green ceramic tiles laid in 1913. The commercial corridors of Talâa Kbira to the north and Tala Seghira to the south overflow with traditional merchants and food stalls amid a lively sensory mix of sounds, spices, and bright textiles. Local cooperatives offer hands-on introductions to argan oil production, Moroccan pastry baking, and traditional weaving. The Bou Inania madrasa ranks as the architectural crown jewel of the medina, showcasing intricate bronze metalwork, carved cedar wood, onyx, marble, and colorful tilework. The Merenid Tombs sit on a nearby hill, offering panoramic sunset views over the entire medina.

Mosques, Festivals, and Tanneries

Fès-el-Jdid, the new town the Merinids built beside the medina in the 13th century, holds the royal palace and the mellah. Back in Fez-el-Bali, Karaouine functions simultaneously as the oldest continuously operating university in the world and a major mosque capable of holding 20,000 worshippers. Because interior access is restricted to Muslims, non-Muslim visitors view it from the threshold. Housed in a 19th-century summer palace, the Batha Museum displays an extensive collection of Moroccan craftsmanship, including wood carvings, Berber textiles, and regional musical instruments. Its Andalusian-style garden hosts the annual World Sacred Music Festival, a major international gathering featuring musical acts from around the globe alongside literary debates, film screenings, and art exhibitions. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts also warrants a stop.

Another essential stop is the tanners' quarter, an area known for intense aromas and striking visual contrasts. Near Place Seffarine, the Chouara Tanneries process leather goods famed for their durability. Visiting in the morning lets you watch artisans working alongside stone vats filled with natural dyes.

When to go

Temperatures stay mild year-round in Fez, but spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather. Summer temperatures spike significantly, often reaching oppressive levels during the afternoon. June is an ideal time to visit if you want to experience the World Sacred Music Festival firsthand.

How to get there

There are no nonstop flights from North America: you connect in Madrid, Paris, or Casablanca, and the final European leg into Fez runs about two hours and forty-five minutes. Airfare drops considerably during the off-season, with tickets starting as low as $45*.

As the bright county seat of the island that bears its name, Zakynthos, also called Zante, is the main town of a stunning Greek island spanning 406 km². Framed by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, its fine sand and lush vegetation make it a heavily visited destination. Homer already mentioned it in the Odyssey, and its history reads like a succession of rulers: Romano-Byzantine, Arab, Norman, part of the Kingdom of Sicily, Venetian, French, and more. It wasn't until 1864 that it officially joined the Kingdom of Greece. Today, fishing and tourism form the backbone of its economy.

A town of character and charm

The island's beauty shines right through the town streets. Among its many churches, the Agios Dionysios church stands out as the most prestigious. Beautifully decorated, this three-aisled Orthodox basilica dating from 1925 is remarkable for both its architecture and its interior. Located near the port, its striking bell tower defines the skyline. It is the premier spot for scenic strolls where you can look out over luxury yachts and fishing boats against that incredible blue backdrop. Lined with benches and framed by towering palm trees, the vast Dionysios Solomos Square captures the island's charm in one place. Named after the poet whose words form the Greek national hymn, he sits right in the center, immortalized in a pristine statue. Paved and flanked by stately buildings, it is the beating heart of Zakynthos. The Agios Nikolaou church edges the square, standing as one of the few structures that survived the devastating 1953 earthquake. Right here, the sumptuous Byzantine Museum opens its three levels to display sculptures, frescoes dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries, paintings, and photographs of the town before the natural disaster.

A beach right in town

Heading toward the coast to Agiou Markou Square, you will first spot a striking arched building housing the Solomos and Kalvos Museum. Alongside original works and personal belongings, the lives of these two local artists, who are among the island's most famous figures, are on display. The bustling square is packed with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It is the ideal spot to try local specialties like tzatziki, a crisp cucumber starter that pairs perfectly with chickpea bread, psarosoupa, a traditional fish soup, or stifado, a tender beef and onion stew. For dessert, try mandolato, the island's signature sweet: an almond and honey nougat inherited from the Venetians. Be sure to stop by one of the oldest residences in town, Romas Mansion, once home to the aristocratic Romas family. This 1660 manor is exceptionally well-preserved.

Some of the finest coastlines in the region are found right here on Zakynthos. Located just 500m from downtown, Eot may be less famous than the renowned Gerakas or Navagio beaches, but it remains a gem framed by striking viewpoints. As everywhere else on the island, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for a swim, and the beach is overlooked by the Bokali hill, home to a Venetian fortress known as a kastro. The panoramic views from the top are unbeatable.

Getting there

The local airport handles international flights year-round, with direct seasonal routes from major European hubs during the summer. If you are traveling by car, you will need to take the ferry from Kyllini on the Greek mainland. From Athens, long-distance buses make the trip down, including the ferry crossing.

Most travelers only see the airport, but Faro is the genuine soul of the Algarve. It is a city of contrasts where the quiet medieval Old Town meets the wild beauty of the Ria Formosa lagoon. Far from the noise of typical beach resorts, it offers an authentic Portuguese experience focused on local culture and fresh seafood. This is the spot for travelers who want to see a different, more grounded side of southern Portugal.

Long defined by its fishing fleet, boat building, and seafood canning plants, Portimão has pivoted to become a destination known for its expansive beaches and motorsport circuit. Located in the south of Portugal, the city has managed to retain its local character even as tourism has surged. The mild climate and dramatic limestone cliffs make this Algarve port a compelling stop.

A legacy of elegance

While the modern high-rises reflect the city's recent growth, the historic center offers a different perspective. The architecture here carries real character, starting with city hall, which is housed in the former palace of the Viscounts of Bivar. Walking through the cobblestone alleys, you will see two-story houses adorned with azulejos (traditional ceramic tiles), along with ornate ceramic balustrades and wrought-iron balconies. The city was a major international trading hub before the 1755 earthquake caused widespread destruction. While little remains of the medieval structures, a few wall sections endure. The majestic Jesuit College also took damage during the disaster, but today it stands prominently on Praça da República, gleaming in white with orange trim. Its church, the largest in the Algarve, cuts a sharp silhouette against the sky. Nearby, the 15th-century Igreja Matriz remains immaculate, featuring a Gothic portal with gilded capitals that is worth a close look.

Beaches and local life

Make a stop at Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes, a fully paved plaza with a water feature that serves as a perfect spot to grab a coffee at a kiosk and watch the world go by. At Jardim 1° Dezembro, you will find more azulejos depicting Portuguese history amidst fountains and greenery. To understand the local heritage, the Portimão Museum is essential; it is housed in a former sardine cannery and covers everything from Roman and Arab archaeological finds to the history of the local canning industry. Sardines are still the star of the local menu, usually served grilled right on the docks. The local cuisine is robust, featuring bread and tomato soup, fresh seafood, fish stews, rice with razor clams, and corn porridge with sausage. For dessert, look for morgados and bolas de ovo, traditional sweets that combine almonds and figs.

Before hitting the sand, head to the 17th-century Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar for one of the best viewpoints in the area. The villa and chapel sit perched on the rock, and a spiral staircase leads down to the marina and Praia da Rocha. Sheltered by cliffs, this famous stretch of fine sand is the largest and most popular beach in the city. It functions as a full-service resort area that stays active day and night. The caves of Praia dos Três Castelos are more challenging to reach, while the intimate Praia dos Careanos, located 2 km away, offers a quieter alternative. The waterfront promenade is one of the best walks in town, stretching from the Ribeirinha with its palm trees past the docks to the Praça de Bívar, where the quay becomes a hub for evening nightlife.

How to get there

The nearest airport is in Faro, about a 45-minute drive away. Lisbon Airport is roughly a 2.5-hour drive. If you fly into Lisbon, you can take a train directly to the station in the city center. If you are driving from elsewhere in Europe, the highway network is modern and well-maintained.

Tempered by trade winds and the low hum of guembri strings, Essaouira offers an artistic escape on the Moroccan Atlantic coast. Its white and blue medina, where salty air mixes with the scent of cedarwood, is built for aimless wandering, far removed from the intensity of the imperial cities. It is a destination for those seeking a slower pace, where the rhythm of the ocean and a local creative scene provide a grounded, quiet experience.

Saranda serves as the primary gateway to the Albanian Riviera, offering sun-drenched days and turquoise waters just across the channel from Corfu. It acts as a high-energy home base, perfect for travelers looking to pair beach time with visits to ancient sites like Butrint. Expect a fast-paced Mediterranean atmosphere, with nights spent along the waterfront promenade and days centered on finding hidden coves accessible by boat or car.