Top 20 sunny destinations to visit in May 2026

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 (about $11-16).

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.

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.

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.

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.

San Diego delivers the California experience without the frantic pace of Los Angeles. With 266 days of sunshine per year and 70 miles of coastline, the city maintains an incredibly laid-back lifestyle. Between the surfers at Pacific Beach, the seals at La Jolla, and the craft breweries in North Park, it is easy to see why locals call it America's Finest City.

Whether you are a night owl or not, a high roller or a penny pincher, Las Vegas is a place you have to see at least once. It is hard to describe the sheer scale of this neon-soaked city, where the American dream reaches its most surreal heights. Ready to hit the Strip?

Unforgettable nights on the Strip

The largest city in Nevada draws more than 43 million visitors every year. This massive turnout speaks for itself, attracting everyone from party seekers to couples looking to tie the knot at the Graceland Wedding Chapel. Sin City saw its biggest boom in the 1930s, fueled by relaxed laws on gambling and vice. Since then, it has cemented its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. Your first walk down Las Vegas Boulevard, known as "The Strip", is sensory overload. Neon signs and flashing lights compete for your attention at every turn. Casinos are everywhere, starting with the Flamingo, the first of its kind, built by Benjamin Siegel in 1946. Plenty of people have seen their fortunes shift at the poker tables and slot machines here.

An open-air amusement park

Las Vegas is all about the spectacle. The dancing fountains of the Bellagio create an illusion of a lake right in the middle of the Nevada desert. At the Venetian, gondolas ferry tourists through canals in a kitschy nod to Italy. The Luxor Pyramid and its massive sphinx illuminate the night sky, the Stratosphere Tower offers the highest observation deck in the US, and the Mirage Volcano regularly erupts in a choreographed show. When it comes to entertainment, you have endless options, from the Cirque du Soleil productions to celebrity impersonators, the 4,000-seat Colosseum at Caesars Palace, or the pirate-themed showdowns at Treasure Island. You will not run out of things to do. Even if you are not staying at these resorts, walk through them to see the over-the-top architecture, private beaches, nightclubs, and massive aquariums.

For a grittier, more vintage vibe, head to Downtown, which is packed with street art and murals. If the lights and the crowds start to wear you down, the great national parks of the American West are just a short drive away.

When to go

Las Vegas is a year-round destination. If your schedule allows, aim for the spring or fall. July and August bring intense, dry heat, while winter temperatures from December through February can be surprisingly chilly.

Getting there

If you are flying in from Europe, expect about 12.5 hours of travel time. Round-trip airfare typically runs between 700 and 900 EUR (about $760-$975) depending on the season.

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 more famous Moroccan sibling. This imperial city boasts a history stretching back over 1,200 years, and lately, it has cemented its reputation as a premier destination in the Maghreb.

The medina, a world apart

The heart of Fez is its sprawling medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981. It is the largest in North Africa, a labyrinth of more than 9,000 narrow alleys. While it sounds counterintuitive, getting lost in the medina, known as Fes-el-Bali, is the best way to see it. You enter through one of the fourteen sacred gates built in the 12th century that still encircle the old city. Bab-Boujloud is the most impressive, decorated with intricate blue and green tiles. The main commercial arteries, Talaa-Kbira to the north and Tala-Seghira to the south, are packed with food stalls and merchants, creating a sensory overload of noise, scents, and colors. Local cooperatives offer a look at the craft of argan oil production, traditional Moroccan pastries, and weaving. The Bou-Inania madrasa is the medina's architectural crown jewel. It is a masterpiece of carved bronze, painted cedar wood, onyx, marble, and tile. The Merinid Tombs are also worth the trek, if only for the sweeping view of the medina at sunset.

Mosques, festivals, and tanneries

The new city, Fes-el-Jedid, holds its own collection of significant landmarks. Karaouine is both the world's oldest university and a vital mosque. It is massive, capable of holding 20,000 worshippers. Since entry is restricted to Muslims, non-practitioners can only admire it from the outside. The Batha Museum, housed in a 19th-century summer palace, displays a fine collection of Moroccan art and crafts, including sculptures, Berber textiles, and musical instruments. Its Andalusian-style garden hosts the Festival of World Sacred Music every year. It is one of the largest festivals of its kind, drawing musicians from across the globe, alongside literary debates, film screenings, and exhibits. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts is another essential stop.

The tanneries offer a truly unique experience. Near Place as-Seffarine, the Chouara Tanneries produce leather known for its durability. If you arrive in the morning, you can watch artisans working in the massive vats filled with natural dyes.

When to go

Fez enjoys mild weather year round, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit. Summer heat can be intense, often reaching temperatures that feel stifling. June is an excellent time to visit if you want to catch the Festival of World Sacred Music.

Getting there

Flights from Europe are frequent and quick. If you are flying from major hubs, you can often find competitive airfare during the off-season, with tickets sometimes starting as low as 40 EUR (about $44).

The bright capital of the island that shares its name, Zakynthos Town is the central hub of this Ionian paradise. Spanning 406 square kilometers, the island is defined by its turquoise waters, fine sand, and dense greenery. Homer referenced it in the Odyssey, and the island history is a long timeline of Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Sicilian, Venetian, and French influence. It did not officially join the Kingdom of Greece until 1864. Today, the local economy relies heavily on fishing and tourism.

A town of character and charm

The island beauty is on full display here, especially within its many churches. The most prestigious is Agios Dionysios. This three-aisle Orthodox basilica, built in 1925, is remarkable for both its architecture and its interior decoration. It sits near the port, where its towering bell tower acts as a landmark for the entire harbor. It is a prime area for a stroll, with luxury yachts and fishing boats bobbing in water so blue it feels surreal. With benches shaded by towering palms, Dionysios Solomos Square is the heart of the town. Named after the poet who penned the Greek national anthem, the square features his statue as its centerpiece. It is paved and surrounded by historic buildings, making it the central meeting point of the town. Agios Nikolaou Church stands on the square, one of the few structures that survived the 1953 earthquake. You will also find the Byzantine Museum here, which spans three levels and exhibits sculptures, frescoes from the 15th to 17th centuries, and paintings depicting the town before the earthquake.

City beaches and local flavors

Heading toward the coast at Place Agiou Markou, you will first see a beautiful arched building: the Solomos and Kalvos Museum. Beyond the art and personal artifacts of these two local icons, the museum introduces you to the most famous figures in Zakynthos history. The square is lively, filled with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. This is the place to try local specialties like tzatziki, a refreshing cucumber dip best paired with chickpea bread, psarosoupa, a traditional fish soup, or stifado, a veal and onion stew. For something sweet, try mandolato, the island signature nougat, or fried semolina with cinnamon. Do not miss the chance to admire one of the oldest homes in the city, Romas Mansion. This 1660 manor was once the home of the aristocratic Romas family and remains a striking example of local architecture.

Zakynthos is home to some of the most famous beaches in the world. Just 500 meters from the city center, Eot is less famous than the prestigious Gerakas or Navagio beaches, but it remains a gem surrounded by incredible views. Like everywhere on the island, the crystal-clear water is ideal for swimming. The beach is overlooked by the Bokali hill, where you will find the ruins of a Venetian kastro, or fortress. The view from the top is spectacular, comparable to the sweeping coastal vistas you might find in Malibu.

Getting there

The airport handles international flights throughout the year. If you are driving, you will need to take the ferry from Kyllini on the Greek mainland. If you are traveling from Athens, there is a bus service that includes the ferry crossing as part of the trip.

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 the capital of the Algarve region 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 do 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 Praca de Bivar, where the quay becomes a hub for evening nightlife.

Getting 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.